(a) Each county shall file the agreement for the implementation of strategy required by Code Section 36-70-21 with the department after the agreement has been adopted by resolution as provided for in Code Section 36-70-25.(b) The department shall, within 30 days of receipt, verify that the strategy includes the components enumerated in Code Section 36-70-23 and the minimum criteria enumerated in Code Section 36-70-24. The department, however, shall neither approve nor disapprove the specific elements or outcomes of the strategy.(c) In the event that no agreement is properly filed by a county by December 31 of the year following the year in which the county's ten-year comprehensive plan update is due or within 180 days of the triggering event under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 36-70-21, the department shall notify the affected local governments and all relevant state agencies that the jurisdictions are out of compliance with the laws regarding service delivery strategies, and the sanctions provided for in Code Section 36-70-27 shall apply; provided, however, that, in the event the local governments are participating in a nonbinding arbitration pursuant to Code

tegies, and the sanctions provided for in Code Section 36-70-27 shall apply; provided, however, that, in the event the local governments are participating in a nonbinding arbitration pursuant to Code Section 36-70-25.2, the deadline shall not be extended for more than 180 days.(d) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations only to the extent necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 698,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2026.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.