ATLANTA – State Representative Brad Raffensperger (R-Johns Creek) today announced that House Bill 781 passed the Georgia House of Representatives on Friday, February 26, 2016. This bill would require that a member of a public board, commission or authority be a citizen or national of the United States or a lawful permanent resident and a legal Georgia resident.
“The recent events in California involving two illegal immigrants who were appointed to a city board were the motivation for such necessary legislation,” said Rep. Raffensperger. “Boards, commissions and authorities can have broad powers to determine policies on tax reductions, bond obligations, zoning, and, in many cases, serve in quasi-judicial functions. I believe a standard is required for these public entities and to ensure that a member is a lawful permanent resident, citizen or national of the United States is a reasonable, measured standard.”
Under HB 781, active duty members of the armed forces of the United States or their immediate family are exempted from the residency requirement. This legislation would also allow business owners who own Georgia businesses along our state’s borders, but live across state lines to be members of public boards, commissions and authorities. Rep. Raffensperger states that these details of the bill are consistent with Georgia’s strong support of our military and pro-business friendly environment.
“I am grateful for the support from the House Governmental Affairs Chairman, Ed Rynders who held multiple hearings for discussion and input from citizens, lawful permanent residents and other leaders of the House who provided wisdom and wise counsel,” added Rep. Raffensperger.
For more information about HB 781, please click here.
Representative Brad Raffensperger represents the citizens of District 50, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Intragovernmental Coordination, and Juvenile Justice committees.
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