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Citizen Portal News Georgia
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The Villa Rica City Council has postponed a crucial vote on a $35 million warehouse project after residents raised alarms over traffic and sewer capacity issues.

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#VillaRicaCarrollCounty #GA #LocalJobs #TrafficImpact #CitizenPortal #SewerInfrastructure #VillaRicaEmployment
Council delays vote on 278,560‑sq‑ft Crow Holdings warehouse amid traffic and sewer concerns
Developers told council the proposed light‑industrial warehouse would be a $35 million, 278,560 sq. ft. spec building promising roughly 175–250 jobs; residents and council members raised traffic and sewer-capacity concerns and the council unanimously tabled the rezoning to March pending GDOT review.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 11:58 AM
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Georgia's House just passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at transforming the completion school landscape, providing new pathways for at-risk students to earn their diplomas!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaCompletionSchools #YouthEmpowerment #StudentPrivacy #EducationAccess
House passes changes to 'completion schools,' boosts outreach and enrollment options
The House unanimously approved House Bill 907 to expand and clarify Georgia's completion school program — requiring districts to notify families, allow direct registration and share leads on chronically absent students — and to permit regional partnerships. Vote: yeas 170, nays 0.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 11:17 AM
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DeKalb County's public defender warns that skyrocketing workloads and a staggering 40% turnover rate could jeopardize effective representation unless additional staff is funded.

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#DeKalbCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #PublicDefense #WorkforceDevelopment
Public defender urges county to add attorneys, mitigation staff as new law raises workload
The DeKalb public defender described heavy caseloads and a roughly 40% turnover rate over two years, asked for four attorneys plus investigators and client advocates to comply with House Bill 582, and said grant-funded client advocates' funding expires in May.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 10:23 AM
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A proposed mixed-use development in Georgia could transform 13.55 acres into 272 apartments, 12 townhomes, and retail space, but faces potential roadblocks after a unanimous denial from the Planning Commission.

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#GA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #TrafficManagement
Woodlands seeks MXD rezoning for mixed‑use project at 699 Newnan Crossing Bypass; traffic signal likely needed, consultants say
Woodlands Acquisitions asked Newman City to rezone 13.55 acres to allow a mixed‑use development with 272 apartments, 12 townhomes and 7,500 sq ft of commercial space. Traffic consultants said the nearby main intersection will require signalization once planned projects are built; the Planning Commission earlier recommended denial 5–0.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 10:11 AM
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Glynn County's parks are thriving with new projects, but the RV campground is struggling with occupancy—what's being done to turn things around?

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#GlynnCounty #GA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureProgress #RecreationDevelopment #PublicWorks
Recreation, parks and public works report mixed results: campgrounds underperform while roads, drainage and SPLOST projects advance
Recreation staff said Blythe Island RV occupancy is down (about 35% year-to-date) while parks crews reported progress on playground inspections, dock repairs and a 10-year CIP; Public Works and capital development highlighted dredging, ditch cleaning and accelerated SPLOST project starts with several major infrastructure projects moving to construction.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 10:09 AM
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Georgia's House just passed a groundbreaking resolution to make probate judge elections nonpartisan, aiming to uphold judicial independence and let voters decide!

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#GA #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaProbateJudges #CitizenPortal #NonpartisanElections #JudicialIndependence
House adopts resolution to make probate judge elections nonpartisan
The House adopted House Resolution 251 to propose a constitutional amendment making probate judge elections nonpartisan; supporters argued the change strengthens judicial independence. Vote: yeas 147, nays 20.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 9:41 AM
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Glynn County Fire Rescue is ramping up its response capabilities with new equipment, increased call volume, and ambitious plans for marine firefighting and advanced trauma care.

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#GlynnCounty #GA #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety
Glynn County Fire Rescue reports rising call volume, new equipment and plans for station openings and marine firefighting capability
Fire Rescue told commissioners it handled about 19,000 calls in 2025 (≈2% increase), is investing in apparatus and specialized equipment, advancing training and certifications, and planning a regional marine firefighting capability and a field whole‑blood EMS program to improve trauma care.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 8:51 AM
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Georgia just took a big step to support disabled veterans by eliminating local permit fees for home renovations that improve accessibility!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #AccessibilityModifications #FinancialRelief #GeorgiaVeterans #HomeRenovations
Committee approves fee waiver for disabled veterans’ home accessibility renovations
A legislative committee advanced House Bill 1087 to exempt disabled veterans from local permit fees for home renovations that accommodate disabilities; the measure passed after sponsor explanation and support from the Georgia Realtors.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 6:59 AM
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The Coweta County school board just approved major projects, including a $501,434 turf replacement and new playground equipment, all with a unanimous 7-0 vote!

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#GA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #SchoolFacilities #GeorgiaEducation #PublicEducation
Coweta County school board unanimously approves facility projects, PTO purchases and contracts
The Coweta County Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved a series of routine and capital items — including playground and sign projects funded by PTOs, a $501,434 turf replacement, an $83,242 science-casework change order, and a $5,040,681 renovation award — all by 7–0 votes.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 5:31 AM
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Yolanda Greenway raised critical questions at the Coweta County Board of Education meeting about ICE on campus and the inconsistent treatment of student protests, leaving many wondering how the district will address these pressing issues.

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#GA #CitizenPortal
Public commenter asks board about ICE on campus and protest policy after EHC incident
Yolanda Greenway asked the Coweta County Board of Education what its policy is if ICE agents come onto school property and why a planned student protest was not permitted while an earlier demonstration was approved; the board made no immediate substantive response and moved into executive session.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 4:58 AM
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Debate rages in Villa Rica as Mayor McPherson pushes for a $24,000 consultant to find a city manager, while council members fear losing control of hiring under new charter laws.

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#VillaRicaCarrollCounty #GA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #VillaRicaCityCouncil
Villa Rica council stalls $24,000 consultant hire as debate over city manager powers persists
Mayor Leslie McPherson and council members debated whether to hire a $24,000 consultant to run a permanent city manager search while state law and recent charter changes leave the manager reporting to the mayor; council voted unanimously to table the consultant contract to the March meeting.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 4:16 AM
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Georgia's Defense & Veterans Affairs committee has just passed a bill to eliminate honorary promotions for retired officers, aiming to clear up confusion over uniform ranks!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #UniformRegulations #MilitaryReform #GeorgiaVeterans #VeteranSupport
Committee ends honorary promotion option for retired Georgia officers
House Bill 1184, sponsored to remove the option for retired Georgia officers to request honorary promotions, passed after testimony from the Georgia Department of Defense that the practice causes uniform-rank confusion and is not federally recognized.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 4:10 AM
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Georgia's Public Safety committee has just backed a groundbreaking resolution to create a dedicated 9-1-1 fund, ensuring vital upgrades without increasing fees!

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#GA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #Georgia911 #EmergencyServices
Committee backs constitutional amendment to create dedicated Georgia 9‑1‑1 fund
The Public Safety and Homeland Security committee approved House Resolution 1243, which would amend the state constitution to create a dedicated, non‑lapsing Georgia 9‑1‑1 fund to pay for expansion, maintenance and transition to next‑generation 9‑1‑1 systems; sponsors said it would not raise the current fee and would be followed by a working group to set distribution rules.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 4:06 AM
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A groundbreaking bill has been approved to enhance screening and treatment for foster children with autism, addressing an urgent need in Georgia's child welfare system.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaFosterCare #AutismScreening #ChildWelfare #HealthAccess
Committee approves pilot to screen and serve foster children for autism
The House Judiciary Juvenile Committee unanimously approved HB 943, creating a multi-region pilot to screen, evaluate and treat foster children for autism spectrum disorder and requiring periodic reporting on implementation and effectiveness.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 3:59 AM
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Bryan County's investigation into contamination claims at the troubled Westwind site has raised serious questions about its past defaults and pending litigation.

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#BryanCounty #GA #CivicAccountability #BryanCountyEnvironment #CitizenPortal #PublicTransparency
Bryan County counsel outlines Westwind’s prior defaults, TEFRA bond request and launches investigation into contamination claims
County counsel told commissioners Westwind (Project Patriot) has prior defaults, liens and pending litigation in Oklahoma and that the development authority earlier voted to cease negotiations; the county authorized an environmental investigation into allegations that the Caesarstone site is contaminated.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 3:13 AM
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Georgia just approved a bill to make delivery robots faster and safer, ensuring they can now zip through urban areas while keeping pedestrians in mind!

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#GA #AccessibilityAwareness #GeorgiaPersonalDelivery #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationInnovation
Georgia House approves tighter rules, higher speed cap for delivery robots
The House passed House Bill 986 to update rules for personal delivery devices, setting a 7 mph cap and requiring continuous auditory signals for visually impaired pedestrians; sponsors said the changes reflect industry and state input. Vote: yeas 164, nays 3.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 2:29 AM
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A new bill aims to protect law enforcement by clarifying that drivers must safely move to the right during traffic stops, addressing dangerous gaps in existing law.

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#GA #GeorgiaLawEnforcement #TrafficSafety #CitizenPortal #CivicEducation #PublicSafety
Committee clarifies 'move over' requirement for traffic stops after court interpretation concerns
House Bill 1161 would clarify that drivers must move to the right, when safe, to allow law enforcement traffic stops to proceed — addressing case law that limited an existing "move over" provision to passing emergency vehicles rather than stops. Witnesses said drivers often stop in left lanes on interstates and that codifying the guidance would reduce risk to officers.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 2:25 AM
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Georgia lawmakers have taken a stand for consumer rights by approving a bill that mandates shrimp on menus to reveal its origins, supporting local fishermen and enhancing seafood transparency.

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#GA #FoodTransparency #CitizenPortal #FishermenSupport #GeorgiaConsumerRights
House approves country-of-origin labeling for shrimp on restaurant menus
Lawmakers agreed to a senate substitute to HB 117 requiring country-of-origin disclosure for seafood items on restaurant menus to boost consumer transparency and support Georgia fishermen; the House agreed to the substitute (yeas 159, nays 8).
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February 12, 2026 at 2:07 AM
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Georgia lawmakers just passed a pivotal bill that extends oversight to state agencies, ensuring your rights as an elected official are protected!

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#GA #CitizenPortal #LegislativeAccountability #GovernmentTransparency #GeorgiaAdministrativeOversight #PublicPolicy
House passes bill to extend Administrative Procedures Act oversight to state agencies
House Bill 903 would make executive branch agencies, boards and authorities subject to the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act; sponsor framed the measure as restoring legislative oversight. The House passed the bill (yeas 168, nays 3).
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 1:55 AM
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A groundbreaking bill is set to revolutionize cosmetology education by mandating crucial trichology training to combat the hair loss epidemic affecting millions of Americans.

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#GA #ConsumerProtection #CitizenPortal #ProfessionalTraining #HealthEducation #GeorgiaCosmetology
Subcommittee advances bill to add trichology training to cosmetology curriculum
The Subcommittee on Professional and Occupational Licenses voted to give House Bill 684 a 'do pass' recommendation, advancing a proposal to add trichology (hair and scalp) training—50 hours for instructors and 30 hours for students—into cosmetology education; members pressed for more inspectors and a minor date amendment was adopted.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 1:47 AM
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The House Judiciary Juvenile Committee has taken a significant step forward by advancing the Mandy Ballenger Act, aiming to reshape Georgia's juvenile justice system and raise the age for adult charges.

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#GA #YouthReform #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #GeorgiaJuvenileJustice
Committee advances Mandy Ballenger Act to study raising the juvenile age; stakeholders voice support and concerns
The committee voted to pass HB 1061 (the Mandy Ballenger Act), creating an organizational committee to study implementation of raising the juvenile age; law‑enforcement groups warned of risks, while prosecutors, juvenile justice and child‑advocacy organizations urged careful, well‑funded planning.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 1:45 AM
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Alpharetta is set to soar with the approval of a new 7-story AC Hotel and the city's first-ever vertiport, promising cutting-edge transportation and luxury lodging.

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#AlpharettaFultonCounty #GA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #SustainableBuilding #TransportationInnovation
Alpharetta council approves 7‑story AC Hotel and first vertiport use at Northwind Summit, 6–1
Council approved a master plan amendment, conditional use and variances to add a vertiport and a 7‑story, 165‑room AC Hotel at Northwind Summit; council debated EIFS exterior materials, hotel economics and future controls on vertiport operations.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 1:41 AM
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DeKalb County is taking bold steps towards affordable housing with a proposed $155 million Housing Investment Bond aimed at creating and preserving over 10,000 units!

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#DeKalbCounty #GA #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #DeKalbCountyHousing
DeKalb officials update comprehensive housing plan and propose $155 million housing investment bond
At a PECS committee meeting, county staff and consultants outlined a two‑phase comprehensive housing plan and Dr. Ferguson proposed a $155 million Housing Investment Bond intended to create or preserve over 10,000 units and leverage roughly $1 billion in additional investment.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 1:05 AM
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A new bill aims to provide crucial funding for ballistic glass in patrol vehicles, potentially saving the lives of law enforcement officers on the front lines.

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#GA #CivicAccountability #GeorgiaLawEnforcement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LawEnforcementSupport
Committee approves grant program for ballistic glass in patrol vehicles after survivor testimony
The committee advanced House Bill 967, which would authorize the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to run a grant program (subject to appropriation) allowing law enforcement agencies to apply for funds to install ballistic glass in patrol vehicles; witnesses including a sheriff, a nonprofit founder and an officer who survived an ambush testified about lives saved and program costs.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 12:59 AM
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Georgia's new House Bill 383 safeguards high school athletes from exploitative NIL deals, ensuring fair play and parental oversight in their financial futures.

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#GA #CitizenPortal #FinancialLiteracy #RecruitingFairness #YouthAthleteProtection #GeorgiaHighSchoolAthletes
Georgia House enacts NIL protections for high school athletes
House Bill 383 establishes guardrails for name, image and likeness deals for high school athletes — restricting use of school logos, requiring parental involvement and placing limits so high-school contracts do not carry forward to college or professional levels. Vote: yeas 171, nays 0.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 12:34 AM