Georgia HB689: Housing; establish a homelessness prevention program

What the bill says

To amend Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to housing trust fund for the homeless, so as to establish a homelessness prevention program; to provide for an application process and minimum standards; to provide for the use of certain funds; to provide for disbursements; to require contracts and assurances; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to housing trust fund for the homeless, so as to establish a homelessness prevention program; to provide for an application process and minimum standards; to provide for the use of certain funds; to provide for disbursements; to require contracts and assurances; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to housing trust fund for the homeless, is amended by revising paragraph (5) of and adding a new paragraph to Code Section 8-3-301, relating to definitions, as follows: "(2.1) 'Homelessness prevention program' means a program that: (A) Aims to prevent homelessness, support housing stability among low-income persons, and avoid evictions for low-income persons; (B) Is certified by the commission as meeting the terms and conditions established under Code Section 8-3-311.1; and H. B. LC 60 0101 (C) Is otherwise ineligible for certification as a residential housing project or stable housing accountability program under Code Sections 8-3-310 and 8-3-311." "(5) 'Qualified sponsor' means a nonprofit, for profit, or governmental sponsor of a residential …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Dickerson, Jason T. (R, 21) · primary sponsor
• Kasey Carpenter (R, 4) · primary sponsor
• Campbell, Lisa (D, 35)
• Scott Hilton (R, 48)
• William Werkheiser (R, 157)
• Spencer Frye (D, 122)
• Mary Oliver (D, 84)

Latest actions

1. March 31, 2026: Senate Tabled
2. March 25, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
3. March 25, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
4. February 26, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
5. February 25, 2026: House Passed/Adopted
6. February 25, 2026: House Third Readers
7. February 19, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported
8. April 4, 2025: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
9. March 3, 2025: House Committee Favorably Reported
10. March 3, 2025: House Second Readers

Votes

• House Vote #554 (February 25, 2026): 148 yea, 11 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB689?

HB689 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Housing; establish a homelessness prevention program.

What does HB689 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to housing trust fund for the homeless, so as to establish a homelessness prevention program; to provide for an application process and minimum standards; to provide for the use of certain funds; to provide for disbursements; to require contracts and assurances; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB689?

Failed as of March 31, 2026. Latest action: Senate Tabled (March 31, 2026).

Who sponsored HB689?

Dickerson, Jason T. (R, 21), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB689?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71024