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Committee holds hearing on bill to designate second Monday in August as Locally Elected Officials Day
Summary
Representative Sharper presented House Bill 259 (LC394556) to designate the second Monday in August each year as Locally Elected Officials Day; the item was a hearing only and received bipartisan support in discussion but no committee vote.
The Committee on Special Rules held a hearing on House Bill 259 (LC394556), a bill that would designate the second Monday in August each year as Locally Elected Officials Day.
Representative Sharper, who introduced the bill, said the measure would recognize local elected officials (city and county officials and local judges) and encourage businesses to offer acknowledgements similar to veterans’ recognitions. Sharper told the committee he had contacted restaurants and community partners that said they would offer free meals or other acknowledgements to local officials if the bill is adopted. He said the intent is to show appreciation for the often “thankless” work of local officeholders.
Members asked clarifying questions. Representative Taylor asked why the bill applies only to local officials and not to state lawmakers; Sharper said he excluded state officials intentionally so the measure would not be perceived as legislators giving a benefit to themselves. Representative Griffin spoke in support, noting the difficulty of local public service. The committee treated the item as a hearing only; Representative Sharper was to return at a later date for further consideration.
