Georgia Senate bill by author Sen. Cowsert updating EMC and gas affiliate disclosure rules passes House and Senate

Newly passed bill authored by State Sen. Bill Cowsert aims to update disclosure requirements for electric membership corporations and their gas affiliates, seeking increased transparency in financial relationships and annual reporting, according to the Georgia State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of Monday, March 31, clearing the House by a vote of 163-1 and the Senate by a vote of 51-2.

The bill, introduced as SB256 on Tuesday, Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Electric Membership Corporation; disclose certain acquisitions and other information to its members within a certain time frame; require’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends Chapter 4 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to update disclosure requirements for electric membership corporations (EMCs) and their gas affiliates. It allows EMCs to invest in, lend funds to, and guarantee debts of EMC gas affiliates up to 25% of the EMC’s net utility plant, excluding certain assets, provided these do not involve tax-exempt financing or government loans. EMCs must disclose specific details to members if more than 15% of their net utility plant is involved with EMC gas affiliates. Additionally, EMCs must annually disclose the aggregate cost of gas sold. The bill does not authorize gas companies to engage in the expanded production or distribution of liquefied petroleum gas, except for certain system services. Effective upon enactment, it repeals conflicting laws.

In the Senate, 20 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while two Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the House, 71 Democrats and 92 Republicans voted in favor, while one Republican voted against it.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin (Republican-49th).

Cowsert graduated from Presbyterian College in 1980 with a BS and again in 1983 from University of Georgia School of Law with a JD.

Cowsert, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2007 to represent the state’s 46th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Brian Kemp.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday, May 14.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State Senate. The source data can be found here.