Legislative briefs

Cell tower bill sent to governor

The Georgia Senate gave final passage Tuesday to a measure ensuring local officials act promptly when reviewing plans for proposed cell towers.

House Bill 176 represents a compromise between telecoms and city and county governments, which blocked the bill last year.

HB 176 would limit cities and counties to charging no more than $500 for review of an application for a new cell tower, and it would limit rental and lease fees.

It also would create a 150-day “shot clock” for a local government to review an application. If no action is taken during that period, the application would be considered automatically approved.

The bill, which passed on a 48-1 vote, now goes to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.

— Kristina Torres

About the Author

From staff reports

Bottoms touts $1.1M raised as Democrats gear up for 2026 governor’s race

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has raised about the same amount as her main rival, state Sen. Jason Esteves of Atlanta, in the race to be the next Georgia governor

2h ago

Georgia Republicans back Trump tax bill despite deep cuts to programs

Democrats hope to turn next year’s election into a referendum on the high-stakes package, which slashes Medicaid and other programs to extend tax cuts.

OPINION

How Trump’s megabill and a Senate retirement made Jon Ossoff’s race easier

Sen. Thom Tillis' retirement tells us a lot about the current dynamics in Washington — and a little about how U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s race in Georgia just got a bit easier.

The Latest

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC

Bottoms touts $1.1M raised as Democrats gear up for 2026 governor’s race

2h ago

LISTEN

Birthright citizenship and the ‘big, beautiful bill’

OPINION

How Trump’s megabill and a Senate retirement made Jon Ossoff’s race easier

Featured

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.