Atlanta, Georgia — The Georgia House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday that would allow property owners to sue local governments if they fail to enforce certain state laws related to homelessness, public safety, and immigration.
House Bill 295, sponsored by Republican Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens, passed the chamber by a 98–75 vote and now moves to the state Senate. The proposal would allow property owners to seek financial damages if cities or counties adopt policies that decline to enforce laws addressing issues such as public camping, loitering, drug possession, shoplifting, or cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Gaines argued the measure creates accountability when local governments refuse to enforce state laws. “If a local government refuses to do its job, we’re going to hit that local government in the pocketbook,” he said during floor debate.
Supporters say the bill establishes a limited legal remedy for property owners harmed by non-enforcement policies. Under the proposal, damages would be capped at the amount of property taxes the owner paid during the previous year.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the bill, arguing it could expose local governments to costly lawsuits while targeting vulnerable populations such as homeless individuals and immigrants.
The legislation passed just ahead of Georgia’s legislative “Crossover Day” deadline and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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