Fulton County commissioners voted Tuesday to oppose a piece of legislation that would limit who local governments can appoint to their boards to residents who are citizens, or legal permanent residents.
The bill, HB 781, has passed the Georgia House, but has not yet been heard in Senate committee. It is sponsored by Brad Raffensperger, R-Johns Creek.
Commissioners were told about the law in a legislative briefing Wednesday, in case any of their own board appointments would be affected by it. Commissioner Emma Darnell proposed that they vote to show their opposition, calling the legislation “anti-people.”
“It’s just more garbage that unfortunately emanates from our state capital from time to time, as it does our nation. Down here at Fulton County, we call it garbage when it is garbage,” she said. “It’s bigotry and racism.”
The bill would prohibit any voting member of a board or authority, including city councils, school boards or county commissioners, who was not a citizen or lawful permanent resident. A legal resident would be eligible only if an owner of a Georgia business who resides in another state is eligible. Active duty members of the armed forces and their relatives are exempted.
Commissioners voted 4-0 to let the legislature know they are opposed to its passing. Chairman John Eaves was absent and Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann and Bob Ellis did not vote.
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