Henry County referenced an attendance law during their Tuesday board meeting, but the law in question isn’t actually state law. Georgia lawmakers adjourned last year before the attendance bill passed.
The bill in question would have stipulated commissioners could not miss two meetings in a three-month period. It is not in effect.
County Attendance Law
Senators Jones and Strickland sponsored Senate Bill 639 last year. The bill would have added new attendance requirements for Henry County commissioners. The bill passed the state senate, but it did not clear the house before session ended. As such, the bill did not become law.
This week county staff referenced the attendance law as if it was in effect. County Attorney Rowan explained the bill’s attendance requirements when asking the board to approve a leave of absence for Commissioner Clemmons. Clemmons has been absent at board meetings since the start of the year — participating via teleconference during January’s meetings. The county has not offered more info as to her absence.
Commissioner Thomas motioned to approve the request for a leave of absence. It died without a second.
Power to Declare a Vacancy due to Illness or Suspension from Office
Because senate bill 639 did not become law, there are no set attendance requirements for county commissioners. Senate bill 22 passed in 2021 allows the Chief Superior Court Judge to declare a temporary vacancy in the board, but only from illness or suspension from office. Meeting attendance requirements were not part of this bill.
Featured image shows Henry County Admin Building. Clayton Carte photo.
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