Another new procurement-related law requires state and local governments to accept electronic signatures and seals on bonds issued under the state and local public works laws. Consistent with some of the other rule changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia …
Local Governments
Georgia State and Local Governments Receive Expanded Authority for Conservation Projects
In the 2020-2021 session, the Georgia General Assembly amended existing laws to expand state and local governments’ authority to enter conservation projects. In connection with these projects, the contractor guarantees that cost savings or revenue increases will cover any …
Part II: Key Provisions of School Facility Construction & Design Contracts
Breach of Construction Contract,
City Governments,
Construction Contracts,
Construction Estimating,
Construction Litigation,
Construction Owners,
Contractors and Subcontractors,
County Governments,
Local Government,
Local Governments,
Public Contractors,
Public Works,
School Systems,
Subcontractors,
The following article was written by David R. Cook, and was published 13 June by School Construction News. It is reprinted here with permission. Part I, “Key Provisions of School Facility Construction & Design Contracts,” was published 25 April.…
Georgia Legislature Passes Additional Procurement Rules
On May 3, 2018, Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 899 into law, officially making it Act 389. Act 389 modifies O.C.G.A. § 13-10-4 and § 36-91-23 relating to public works bidding and contracts of state and local governments, respectively. Both …
New Georgia Bill Requires Local Governments to Use Georgia Procurement Registry – UPDATED
This blog post was written by AHC associate Taylor Orgeron.
The Georgia General Assembly passed legislation making the local government procurement process more accessible to bidders. Chairman Tom McCall (R-33rd) authored House Bill 489, which passed unanimously on …
New Local Government Procurement Law Requires Consultant Disclosure – UPDATED
In the final hours of Sine Die, the Georgia Legislature passed House Bill 995. This legislation, which is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature, is directed to local governments’ procurement matters. It seeks to ensure transparency and fairness in the procurement …
Georgia Bill Seeks to Limit Sovereign Immunity
UPDATE: This post is updated below.
State and local governments enjoy the protection of sovereign immunity. It may be waived only by a constitutional amendment or by act of the legislature. As discussed in a prior post, it is …
County Sovereign Immunity Invokes Change-Order Ordinance
The recent case of Fulton County v. Soco Contracting Company, Inc. addresses two very interesting questions for local government attorneys. First, can a county ordinance bolster a defense of sovereign immunity against a contractor’s claims? Second, can a county waive …
Difficult Problems in Public Works, Bidding, Procurement, and Contracting
AHC Attorney David Cook recently presented to the Institute for City and County Attorneys in Athens, Georgia on September 15, 2017, concerning “Difficult Problems in Public Works, Bidding, Procurement, and Contracting.” It is helpful for local governments to periodically review …
Georgia appellate court supports county claim against surety company’s failure to pay
In 2015, Hall County (Georgia) brought legal action against Selective Insurance Company of America, Inc., the surety company for contractor Ruby Forrest. Hall County had contracted Ruby Forrest to complete and maintain sidewalk systems within three residential subdivisions that Ruby …