New Laws for 2019 Include Changes to Martin Town Charter

2019 is bringing with it some new and amended laws that went into effect on January 1st.

Locally, the Town of Martin has changes in its charter that are now law.

House Bill 1011, which was sponsored by State Representatives Dan Gasaway and Alan Powell and passed in both the House and Senate on May 8th changes the provisions related to the mayor and city council’s term in office.

Martin town Council members will now serve for three years and the mayor for four.

The bill also changes the qualifications to serve in those offices and requires council members and the mayor to live inside the town limits before and during their term, as well as be a registered voter.

There’s also a change in election dates. According to the bill, the current mayor’s term in office ended December 31st.

The mayor of Martin and Council members will now be elected by plurality on the second Monday of October and begin serving their respective terms the following January first.

Statewide, a couple of the most notable new laws include one that allows Georgia to enforce a new sales tax on out of state retailers.

The law is directed at larger online retailers, such as Amazon who will now collect a 4% sales tax from Georgians shopping on their site.

Another new law that protects crime victims is also now in effect.

Marsy’s Law was passed by Constitutional Amendment in November.

Under the Amendment, crime victims must be allowed to attend every court proceeding pertaining to their case as well as receive regular updates from the court.

Other new laws include:

A new state law that now allows counties and municipalities to remove or place liens on abandoned mobile homes.

Another new law gives more protection to the elderly in cases of abuse or neglect in nursing homes or assisted living communities.

And finally, anyone who knowingly sells a firearm to convicted felon will now face prosecution.

A complete list of new or amended laws for 2019 can be found at: https://gov.georgia.gov/legislation/2018.