Georgia Senate bill by author Sen. Strickland on Newton County Public Facilities Authority contracts and borrowing passes House and Senate

Newly passed bill authored by State Sen. Brian Strickland aims to revise how the Newton County Public Facilities Authority handles contracts, borrowing, and asset distribution, following approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of Friday, March 21, clearing the House by a vote of 158-0 and the Senate by a vote of 52-0.

The bill, introduced as SB237 on Friday, Feb. 21 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Newton County Public Facilities Authority; contracts and borrowing of funds; revise provisions’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the act establishing the Newton County Public Facilities Authority to revise provisions related to contracts and borrowing of funds, revenue bonds, and the distribution of assets upon dissolution of the authority. It defines projects as facilities necessary for Newton County’s operation, allowing for contracts, leases, and borrowing to finance these projects. The authority is authorized to issue revenue bonds, maturing no longer than 40 years, to fund projects, though issuance requires approval from the Newton County Board of Commissioners for school districts or municipal projects. These bonds are not considered debts of Newton County or Georgia, thus not obligating any taxation for their payment. Upon dissolution, authority assets transfer to Newton County unless defined otherwise by project agreements. Conflicting laws are repealed by this bill.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the House, 64 Democrats and 94 Republicans voted in favor, also with no opposing votes.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming (Republican-114th) and Sen. Tonya Anderson (Democrat-43rd).

Strickland graduated from Valdosta State University in 2006 with a BBA and again in 2009 from Florida Coastal School of Law with a JD.

Strickland, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 42nd Senate District, replacing previous state senator Elena Parent.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, May 13.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State Senate. The source data can be found here.