BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: The state House approves a couple of bills that could lead to the creation of two new cities in DeKalb County. Measures to incorporate LaVista Hills and Tucker easily passed the House and now move to the Senate. If approved this session and signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, the measures will go before the voters in November.

With Friday’s critical Crossover Day looming under the Gold Dome, the state House is scheduled to vote on three bills today that could lead to the creation of three new cities in metro Atlanta.

If passed by lawmakers this session and approved by local voters in November, Tucker and LaVista Hills would become the newest cities in DeKalb County.

“It’s just a total disconnect with the DeKalb County government,” says Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) who is sponsoring the LaVista Hills legislation.

He says with suspended CEO Burrell Ellis going back on trial, Commissioner Elaine Boyer pleading guilty to federal charges, and the abuse of the county’s P-card system, many people are ready to leave the county and start their own government.

Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), who is sponsoring the Tucker legislation, agrees.

“I believe there are some who have said ‘look, politically we can’t win at the county level, let’s just take our marbles and go home and start our own government; and then some others probably have some other motivations, for instance zoning issues and the like,” he tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.

A House committee had to draw the boundary lines between the two proposed cities after neither side could come to an agreement.  Under the plan, most of Northlake Mall and surrounding retail businesses will be in the city of Tucker.

The House is also expected to vote on a bill to incorporate the city of South Fulton-- the latest effort to splinter Fulton County.