Georgia House bill by Rep. Mathis creating Dodge County building authority passes House and Senate

Newly passed bill authored by State Rep. Danny Mathis seeks to create the Dodge County Building and Public Facilities Authority, granting it powers to manage government projects and issue revenue bonds after winning approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Wednesday, April 2, clearing the House by a vote of 164-0 and the Senate by a vote of 51-0.

The bill, introduced as HB786 on Tuesday, March 18 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Dodge County Building and Public Facilities Authority Act; enact’.

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

In essence, this bill establishes the Dodge County Building and Public Facilities Authority as a corporate and political entity within the State of Georgia, tasked with acquiring, constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating projects for government use in Dodge County. The authority is composed of five members elected by the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, and it holds powers to enter into contracts and leases, issue revenue bonds, and manage property. The authority’s properties and income are exempt from taxation, except for sales and use tax, and are protected from levy and sale. Revenues generated will support the authority’s operations, and projects must remain within Dodge County. Bonds issued by the authority do not constitute state or county debt, protecting public funds from potential liabilities. In case of dissolution, remaining property will be conveyed to Dodge County.

In the House, 71 Democrats and 93 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 23 Democrats and 28 Republicans voted in favor, also with no opposing votes.

Mathis graduated from Middle Georgia College with a BA.

Mathis, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 133rd House District, replacing previous state representative Ken Vance.

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 House. The source data can be found here.