The Georgia State Legislature's Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss various legislative matters, including a proposed bill concerning neighborhood governance and property ownership.

During the meeting, Representative Roman raised concerns regarding the bill's implications for shared spaces within neighborhoods, particularly focusing on the ownership status of homes. Shelby Purdue, a community association representative, provided insights into the challenges posed by investor-owned properties. She noted that while there is a perception of a significant issue with such properties, national data suggests they represent a small percentage and are concentrated in specific areas.

The committee acknowledged the need for further data on homeowner residency in neighborhoods, as the bill requires a two-thirds majority vote from actual homeowners to enact changes to community covenants. Purdue expressed interest in understanding how her neighborhood fits into this context.

Ultimately, the committee decided not to advance the bill due to technical issues, indicating that there would not be enough time to address these concerns before the crossover deadline. The committee plans to reconvene next week to discuss other legislative matters, including at least one Senate bill.

This meeting highlighted ongoing discussions about property ownership dynamics in Georgia neighborhoods and the legislative process's complexities as the session progresses.