Sen. Harold Jones II (D – Augusta), released the following statement Wednesday on Senate Bill 457 and Senate Bill 458, relating to the redistricting of the Richmond County Commission and Richmond County Board of Education:
“On February 7, 2022, SB 457 and SB 458 were assigned to the Senate State & Local Governmental Operations Committee. These bills address the redistricting of the Richmond County Commission and Richmond County Board Of Education. Unfortunately, the redistricting maps attached to these bills are not the maps voted for by the Richmond County Commission and Board Of Education.
After months of hard work, due diligence, and citizen input, the maps presented from the Richmond County Commission and Richmond County Board Of Education to the state and local delegation are not being considered.
As such, the citizens of Richmond County are requesting their voice be heard by allowing a hearing on SB 457 and SB 458, as soon as possible, so the Board of Elections is given the proper time and resources to conduct the election on May 24th.
The citizens of Augusta Richmond County deserve an opportunity to be heard through an open, transparent, and fair hearing.”
SB 457 First Reader Summary: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act providing for the consolidation of Richmond County and the City of Augusta, approved March 27, 1995 (Ga. L. 1995, p. 3648), as amended, particularly by an Act approved April 8, 2002 (Ga. L. 2002, p. 3769), so as to change the description of the commission districts; to provide for definitions and inclusions; to provide for continuation in office of current members; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
SB 458 First Reader Summary: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act regulating public instruction for the County of Richmond, approved August 23, 1872 (Ga. L. 1872, p. 456), as amended, particularly by an Act approved April 8, 2002 (Ga. L. 2002, p. 3756), so as to change the description of the school board districts; to provide for definitions and inclusions; to provide for the continuation in office of current members; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
You can read more about Senate Bill 457 here and Senate Bill 458 here.
