Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law a measure that would limit the powers of the Effingham County Board of Commissioners chairman.

Under the law, House Bill 1257, the chairman would vote only to break a tie between the other commissioners. The chairman also will have the authority to set the agenda for commissioners’ meetings, though board members and staff members shall have the authority to place items on the agenda for consideration.

The legislation also sets a quorum at four members of the board of commissioners, and at least three members’ votes are needed for any action to be taken.

The chairman, or three board members, can call a special meeting of the commissioners.

State House members approved the bill by a vote of 154-1 on March 20, and state Senators voted 45-3 in favor of it six days later.

The law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2013.