Senate Bill 86 Vetoed

Governor Deal vetoed Senate Bill 86. The veto statement issued by Governor Deal on May 17th states, “Senate Bill 86 attempts to address concerns of smaller cities and counties regarding the expense of developing and maintaining plans in order to obtain certification for “Qualified Local Government” status. While I am sympathetic to the desires of cities and counties to more easily attain such status, the Department of Community Affairs through the promulgation of its own internal rules and regulations, is already attempting to meet their needs. Accordingly, I do not believe this bill is necessary and therefore, I VETO SB 86.” The Council was concerned about the original intent of the bill to make local comprehensive planning optional. Council leadership testified in committee and advocated for continued planning at the local level.