Peach Tree Times

The Georgia Legislature has passed House Bill 1312, a measure that extends the re-election terms for Georgia Public Service commissioners by an additional two years. This change affects the all-Republican commission seats, which currently have six-year terms. The bill could limit how often commissioners face voters over several years. Lawmakers are waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit that may influence the bill's provisions.

The bill was approved by both the House and Senate last Thursday and is now awaiting Governor Kemp's signature to become law.

Anne-Gray Herring, policy analyst at Common Cause Georgia, expressed concern about the legislation. She stated, "This bill clearly chills the voices of Georgia voters who deserve an opportunity to choose their elected officials in their respective districts. The people of Georgia will not be silenced by this last-minute tactic in the legislature to add this harmful provision to HB 1312."

Herring emphasized potential impacts on Georgia’s Public Service Commissions and their role in overseeing companies like Georgia Power. She added, "The implications of this bill could have major impacts to Georgia’s Public Service Commissions and the fight to protect their intended bi-partisan purpose."

She further criticized the legislature's actions: "The Georgia legislature should be fighting to help build a democracy that is of, by, and for the people. Instead, they are preventing the democratic process of free and fair elections by setting a dangerous precedent by ratification of two-year extensions."

Common Cause Georgia plans to continue advocating for Georgians' right to choose their representatives. Herring concluded with a call for action: "We call on Governor Kemp to veto this dangerous bill that silences Georgia voters."