Quitman-Brooks County consolidation bill passes both Georgia chambers

A recently approved measure written by State Rep. John LaHood mandates a countywide vote to consider consolidating the governments of the City of Quitman and Brooks County, along with creating a commission to review the merger process, according to the Georgia State House.

The legislation advanced through both the House and Senate as of Thursday, April 2, with a 75-97 vote in the House and a 31-16 tally in the Senate.

Designated as HB1567 and introduced on Wednesday, March 18 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill was officially titled: ’Quitman, City of; transfer of all legal rights, privileges, and assets to Brooks County; provide’.

Below is a detailed look, based on the actual bill text, offering analysis to clarify certain items.

This legislation requires a countywide vote in November 2026 on whether the City of Quitman and Brooks County governments should consolidate. Should voters approve, it establishes a nine-member Quitman-Brooks County Charter and Unification Commission to examine unification and draft a charter for separate voter approval by late 2027. The group is authorized to employ staff, organize public forums, subpoena evidence, and recommend plans to integrate various offices, courts, authorities, assets, debt, taxes and government services, while keeping the county school system and some constitutional offices intact. Failure to consolidate or conduct required audits will result in Quitman’s dissolution, transferring its powers, assets, utility obligations, and unresolved cases to Brooks County. It also creates a Quitman Services District to address city debt, designates a Historic Quitman Community, and does not affect Barwick, Pavo or Morven. The measure sets multiple conditional effective dates through Jan. 1, 2028.

Of those voting in the House, 75 Democrats supported the bill, with 1 Democrat and 96 Republicans voting against it.

In the Senate, support came from 1 Democrat and 30 Republicans, while 16 Democrats voted no.

Co-sponsoring the bill were Rep. Chas Cannon (Republican-172nd), Rep. Robert Dickey (Republican-134th), and two additional cosponsors.

LaHood earned his BS from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2000.

As a Republican, LaHood was first elected to the Georgia State House in 2018, following former state Rep. Amy Carter in representing the 175th House District.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 12.

Georgia, the legislative process starts when a lawmaker works, often prompted by a constituent, with the Office of Legislative Counsel to craft a proposal. After a bill is filed with the appropriate legislative clerk, its first reading occurs and it is referred to a committee where most consideration happens. If it gets approval, the measure advances for floor debate, a third reading, and a vote. Bills must pass both legislative chambers—potentially undergoing a conference committee—before going to the governor. The governor then has six days during the session, or 40 days after final adjournment, to sign, veto, or allow the proposal to become law without action. Each regular session of the Georgia General Assembly lasts 40 days, starting the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was provided by the Georgia State House. Reference data can be accessed here.