ATLANTA (February 28, 2012) – Sen. Jason Carter (D-Decatur) has filed SB 498, which would require a procedural process for the leasing of state and local government property to a private entity for non-governmental reasons.
“SB 498 promotes a high level of transparency by demanding a hearing before any sort of leasing arrangement is reached for public property,” said Sen. Carter. “If our state and local governments enter into an agreement to receive income from the rental of a public building—which is not meant to generate revenue—then the public deserves the right to offer objection or accord.”
According to SB 498, state and local governments must hold a public hearing before any public property can be leased to private organizations. The hearing must allow equal time of at least 10 minutes for presentations by opposing sides and also abide by appropriate local and state code for conducting public hearings.
SB 498 also calls for proper notification acknowledging such public hearings. Notices must be published in area newspapers at least 15 but not more than 45 days prior to the hearing. In addition, a sign containing information about the public hearing must appear at the leasing site at least 15 days prior.
The bill has been assigned to the Senate State and Local Government Operations committee.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2012
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028