Bill Text: GA HB1297 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Georgia House Bill 1297 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Jeff Davis County; nonbinding, advisory referendum by electors to ascertain if judge of Probate Court will also serve as chief magistrate judge; provide

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-04-11 - Effective Date [HB1297 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HB1297-Introduced.html

12 LC 35 2670/AP

House Bill 1297 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)

By: Representatives Sims of the 169th, Smith of the 168th, and Roberts of the 154th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To provide for a nonbinding, advisory referendum by the electors of Jeff Davis County for the purpose of ascertaining whether the judge of the Probate Court of Jeff Davis County shall also serve as the chief magistrate judge of the Magistrate Court of Jeff Davis County; to provide for procedures and requirements relating thereto; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

It is the purpose of this Act to provide for a nonbinding, advisory referendum for the purpose of ascertaining whether the judge of the Probate Court of Jeff Davis County shall also serve as the chief magistrate judge of the Magistrate Court of Jeff Davis County. The advisory referendum provided for in this Act is:

(1) In all respects for the benefit of the people of Jeff Davis County;

(2) A public purpose; and

(3) An essential governmental function for which public funds may be expended.

SECTION 2.

Unless prohibited by the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, the county election superintendent of Jeff Davis County shall call and conduct a nonbinding, advisory referendum election as provided in this section for the purpose of submitting a question to the electors of Jeff Davis County. The county election superintendent shall conduct that election on the day of the next general primary election held in 2012 and shall issue the call and conduct that election as provided by general law. The county election superintendent shall cause the date and purpose of the election to be published once a week for two weeks immediately preceding the date thereof in the official organ of Jeff Davis County. The ballot shall have written or printed thereon the words:

"( ) YES

( ) NO

NONBINDING ADVISORY REFERENDUM

Should the judge of the Probate Court of Jeff Davis County also serve as the chief magistrate judge of the Magistrate Court of Jeff Davis County?"

All persons desiring to vote for approval of the question shall vote "Yes," and all persons desiring to vote for rejection of the question shall vote "No." The expense of such election shall be borne by Jeff Davis County. It shall be the election superintendent's duty to certify the results thereof to the Secretary of State and to each member of the General Assembly whose senatorial or representative district lies wholly or partially within Jeff Davis County.

SECTION 3.

This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 4.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.