Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority membership bill from Rep. Bonner gains final legislative approval

Legislation introduced by State Rep. Josh Bonner to change eligibility and membership terms for the Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority passed both the House and Senate, according to the Georgia State House.

The bill was approved in both chambers as of Friday, March 27, with a 153-0 vote in the House and a 47-0 vote in the Senate.

Identified as HB1519 and introduced on Friday, March 6, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill’s official title is: ’Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority; terms of office for certain members; provide’.

Our summary below is based on the official bill language and includes clarifications to explain its terms.

This bill amends the statute that established the City of Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority, outlining the selection, term length, and eligibility rules for its 5 members. Initial terms are staggered between one, two, and three years, after which all subsequent service is for three years. The mayor and city councilmembers are eligible to serve, with their time on the authority matching their city office terms. Members must be at least 21 years old, have resided within the city for two years or more, and not have any felony convictions. Transfer of authority membership is prohibited, and members do not hold an ownership stake in authority assets. The measure takes effect upon gubernatorial approval or automatically in the absence thereof.

Of those voting in the House, 65 Democrats and 88 Republicans supported the bill, and there were no votes against.

In the Senate, 18 Democrats and 29 Republicans voted for the bill, also without any opposition.

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Rep. Debra Bazemore (Democrat-69th), Rep. Derrick Jackson (Democrat-68th), and Rep. Karen Mathiak (Republican-82nd).

Rep. Bonner is a University of Georgia graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

He was elected to the Georgia House in 2023 to serve District 73, following the tenure of former Rep. Matt Ramsey.

Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Monday, May 11.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a legislator, sometimes prompted by a constituent, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel on bill drafting. The bill is then officially filed and assigned to a committee, which conducts most of the review and discussion. If favorable, the bill moves to the floor for third reading, further debate, and a vote. Passage by both the House and Senate is required; differences between chamber versions are reconciled through a conference committee if needed, after which the bill is sent to the governor. During the session, the governor has six days—or 40 days after adjournment—to either sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes each year for a 40-day session starting the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was sourced from the Georgia State House. Access the source data here.