FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 14, 2005

Contact: Rep. Hugh Floyd, 770-921-2735 or hughfloyd@mindspring.com

Floyd’s school overcrowding legislation a top priority for 2006

State Rep. Hugh Floyd (D-Norcross) said Wednesday his legislation to address overcrowding of local schools will be a top priority of his when the Georgia General Assembly convenes next month for its 2006 session.

“Earlier this year, seeking to alleviate some of the problems we have here in Gwinnett County with school overcrowding, I introduced legislation that would allow the effects on local school systems to be considered in local government zoning decisions,” Floyd said. “This proposal will be under consideration in the upcoming session, and I will be working to see that it becomes law.”

House Bill 42 would require local zoning agencies to consult with local school systems and investigate whether a proposed rezoning would cause at least a 35 percent increase in population for a particular school, or if at least 38 percent of the student population would reside in multifamily housing, and consider this impact when making the rezoning decision.

A report of the results from the investigation would be prepared in writing and presented at the meeting or hearing when the zoning request is being considered. The report would also be made available to the public, according to Floyd, who represents Georgia’s 99th House District in Gwinnett County.

“The local government would still have the final say in the zoning decision,” Floyd explained. “But having local zoning agencies consult with local school officials and take these factors into consideration would improve the process and keep the public better informed on the issues faced by planning commissions and their impact on our communities.”

Floyd’s proposal has bipartisan support, and similar legislation (Senate Bill 183) was introduced in the Senate by Sen. John Douglas (R-Covington).

The bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee for consideration in the 2006 session.