HB 155 — Annexation: Dispute Resolution Process; Zoning: Permit Procedures

This bill revises the annexation dispute resolution process by extending the timeline for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to propose arbitration panelists from 15 calendar days to 15 business days and allowing five calendar days for cities and counties to excuse proposed panelists. It establishes a defined panel selection process that permits municipalities and counties to strike certain arbitrators after random selection, with municipalities authorized to strike county officials and academics and counties authorized to strike municipal officials and academics, while allowing DCA to appoint a panel if strikes are not exercised. The bill also incorporates provisions from House Bill 318 by defining and clarifying quasi-judicial land use decisions and applicable appellate review processes, and includes language authorizing cities in North Fulton County to limit the use of the Fulton County Development Authority within their boundaries by resolution, while grandfathering projects approved prior to January 1, 2026. A floor amendment further requires a countywide referendum for certain municipal spoke annexations extending along roads, rivers, or railroads.