Reps. Davis, Scott and Schofield: We Oppose House Bill 297

By State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex)

(458 words)

We are raising serious concerns about House Bill 297, legislation that centralizes power, weakens local control and places underserved and under-resourced communities at risk. We are also warning the public that the "devil is in the details," particularly regarding the transfer of assets, contracts, federal funds and financial obligations.

HB 297 would abolish existing regional transit structures and replace them with a new state-controlled authority with sweeping powers over transit planning, funding, development approvals and regional transportation decisions across Georgia.

HB 297 is a direct attack on local control. It takes decision-making out of the hands of our communities and places it in a centralized authority that is not accountable to the people most impacted. Our counties will still bear the financial burden, but they will lose the ability to make decisions that reflect their unique needs.

The devil is in the details of this legislation. This bill does not just move agencies around on paper-it transfers assets, property, employees, contracts, federal funds, equipment, obligations and liabilities into a new authority. That means financial responsibilities and potential debt obligations may be transferred along with the assets. Before creating a new authority, the public deserves a full account of what is being transferred, what it is worth and what liabilities taxpayers may ultimately be responsible for.

The bill transfers not only physical assets, such as buses, equipment and property, but also contracts, federal funding streams and long-term financial obligations tied to transportation projects and transit operations. The real issue is not just assets, but control over transportation funding decisions that could influence billions of dollars in infrastructure and transit investments over time.

Underserved and under-resourced communities will be disproportionately impacted by this legislation. When decision-making is centralized, communities that are already struggling for investment are often left behind. Transit is not a luxury in many communities-it is how people get to work, school and access healthcare. Decisions about transit should not be taken further away from the people who depend on it the most.

We are concerned about the financial implications for metro counties, including increased liabilities, reduced fiscal flexibility and potential delays in critical infrastructure and transit projects. While local governments may still be expected to fund projects and services, the authority to approve projects and funding decisions could shift to the new centralized authority.

HB 297 passed on the final day of the legislative session after major changes were added late in the process, including provisions with long-term financial implications. This is why we continue to stress that the devil is in the details. We encourage the public, local governments and stakeholders to review this legislation carefully, and we will continue working to ensure transparency, accountability, local decision-making and equity in transportation policy moving forward.

*Editor's note: The representatives have provided a photo included below.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

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