Georgia House bill by Rep. Mathis to expand Cochran city limits along U.S. Highway 87 passes House and Senate

Passed bill introduced by State Rep. Danny Mathis aims to expand the City of Cochran’s corporate limits by including additional territory along U.S. Highway 87, following approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Thursday, Feb. 27, clearing the House by a vote of 170-0 and the Senate by a vote of 48-0.

The bill, introduced as HB226 on Tuesday, Feb. 4 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Cochran, City of; change corporate limits’.

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

In essence, the bill amends the charter for the City of Cochran to alter its corporate limits by incorporating additional territory. Specifically, it includes the right of way of State Route 23, known as U.S. Highway 87, extending northward from the current city limits to the intersection with Jac Arts Road. This adjustment effectively expands the city’s boundaries. Additionally, the bill repeals any laws or parts of laws in conflict with these changes.

In the House, 72 Democrats and 98 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 19 Democrats and 29 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.