Savannah's own Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea delivered the news that Governor Brian P. Kemp gave Senate Bill 443 the green light, empowering local Georgia authorities to hold event promoters' feet to the fire. Under the new law, reportedly signed on Monday, cities like Tybee Island can legally pursue organizers of unpermitted events for damages. "I appreciate Governor Kemp’s support in signing Senate Bill 443 into law," Sen. Watson stated in a Senate press release. The bill focuses on reimbursement for public safety operations, managing traffic chaos, and sanitation after events that skip the formal permit process.
Watson, with support from both sides of the aisle, emphasized the necessity for such legislation in the face of promoters bypassing established guidelines. The unchecked events can stick citizens with the bill for clean-up and emergency responses. Rep. Petrea echoed this sentiment in the fight to institute more stringent accountability, saying, "Promoters of unpermitted events must realize they are liable for any costs incurred due to problematic events they organize," according to a Senate Press release. This move is aimed at nudging promoters to work within the system and get the required permits.
Brian West, liaising for Tybee Island, expressed a mix of gratitude and relief at the law's enactment. "We welcome visitors and events to our wonderful city and appreciate the backing of Sen. Watson, Rep. Petrea, the Georgia legislature and Governor Kemp in providing this legal mechanism for Tybee to address the significant expenses of managing promoter-driven events that bypass the permitting process," West told the press. He conveyed the city's eagerness to host events, alongside the comfort in having a fallback should organizers not play by the rules.
Additionally, Watson and Petrea have brought home a win for the local Chatham County Delegation with the announcement of a $4 million windfall for Tybee Island beach's renourishment in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, which waits the governor's signature.
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