Sen. Tommie Williams (R-19), who represents parts of Appling, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler County, was honored with a 2011 Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Legislative Service Award. He is honored for recognizing the unintended consequences created by the ethics reforms passed by the General Assembly in 2010 and worked closely with ACCG to clarify the law through HB 232, which increased the ability of local officials to comply. Sen. Williams accepted the award, presented by ACCG Legislative Director Clint Mueller on February 1, 2012.

Thanks to the new law, local officials may now file Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports and Personal Financial Disclosure Reports with the state either electronically or via paper.  Local officials must be notified via mail rather than electronically about "the filing of a complaint; a technical defect in a filing; a failure to make a timely filing; or a late fee or other penalty." HB 232 also removes the onerous and costly requirement that every county staff person that speaks with a legislator register as a lobbyist.

“As a long friend of local government, Senator Williams acted swiftly to reduce the burdens and confusion created by the previous law,” said ACCG Legislative Director, Clint Mueller. “His support of county officials is appreciated.”

ACCG presents Legislative Service Awards to recognize lawmakers who have demonstrated distinguished leadership and interest in working with county governments for the benefit of Georgia’s citizens.  Presented annually, the award has gained recognition among elected and appointed officials as a prestigious way to acknowledge Georgia lawmakers for exemplary leadership.