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Committee backs bill to expand panel pool and deadlines for annexation arbitration; adds $100 total stipend
Summary
House Bill 155 passed the Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee with amendments to expand the pool of potential arbitrators for annexation disputes, extend the department deadline for supplying panels, authorize DCA to replace panelists, and clarify a stipend of $100 total for service.
House Bill 155, a measure aimed at restoring the functioning of an annexation-dispute arbitration process, passed the Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee after debate and two committee amendments.
A committee member said HB155 responds to implementation problems that arose after 2022 changes to the annexation dispute process. The bill expands the pool from which the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) can draw arbitration-panelists to include county managers, county administrators, city managers and city administrators, subject to qualifications. The presenter also said the bill explicitly gives DCA authority to replace panel members who withdraw and permits DCA to randomly select panelists if local governments do not exercise strikes, steps intended to reduce the number of disputes sent to court.
The bill lengthens the timeframe for DCA to provide the list of potential arbitrators and for cities and counties to exercise strikes. Under current law the deadline is 15 calendar days; HB155 changes that to 15 business days with an additional five days for consideration for a total described on the record as 20 business days. The bill also increases pay for panel members: the text on the record contemplated payment of the existing per diem plus an additional $100 total for service on the panel; committee members debated whether that $100 was per day or total, and the committee adopted an amendment to specify $100 total for all days of service.
Representative Alayaye asked why managers and administrators were added to the list; the committee presenter said those officials typically possess the technical expertise required. The presenter said the bill was developed in consultation with ACCG, GMA and DCA. Representative Roberts asked about the random-selection process; the presenter said the department would determine specific procedures.
Two committee amendments were adopted on the record: one clarified the stipend language to specify $100 total for all days of service, and another inserted a missing word on line 47 of the draft. After those amendments a motion to pass carried on a voice vote. The transcript records motions, seconds and voice votes but no roll-call tally. The committee adjourned after concluding business.
The bill is intended to reduce litigation and allow the administrative arbitration mechanism for annexation disputes to function as lawmakers originally designed it. The transcript does not record how quickly the bill will move to the next legislative stage or any implementation timeline beyond the statutory deadlines the bill amends.
