ATL Standard

Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea recently announced the signing of Senate Bill 443 into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp. The bill grants local governments in Georgia, including the City of Tybee Island, the authority to hold promoters of unpermitted events accountable for resulting costs.

Sen. Watson expressed his appreciation for Governor Kemp's support, stating, “Governor Kemp understands the importance of preventing situations where promoters circumvent local permitting processes, leaving citizens to bear the costs of responding to and cleaning up after unpermitted events.”

Rep. Petrea highlighted the significance of the legislation, saying, “This common-sense legislation will incentivize promoters to collaborate with municipalities to obtain proper permits for hosting events. Promoters of unpermitted events must realize they are liable for any costs incurred due to problematic events they organize.”

Brian West, representing the City of Tybee Island, expressed gratitude for the legal mechanism provided by the new law, stating, “While we hope not to invoke this law, it serves as a necessary tool when unpermitted events strain our public safety resources and burden our taxpayers financially.”

In addition, Sen. Watson and Rep. Petrea, along with other members of the Chatham County Delegation, announced that the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget includes $4 million appropriated for the renourishment of Tybee Island beach.

Sen. Ben Watson serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and represents the 1st Senate District, which includes Bryan and Liberty, and half of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7880 or by email at ben.watson@senate.ga.gov.