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Volume 34, No. 10 | March 15, 2024
Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.
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WEEKLY BRIEF
Five to Go! Legislators pushed through a busy week and checked off day 35 before heading back to their districts. Many legislators will spend the weekend at campaign kickoff events and other political meetings as the field has been set for the May primaries after qualifying wrapped up last week. We saw lots of action this week on several key pieces of legislation, and we will remain engaged on many issues through the last two weeks of session.
In this issue:
- Weekly Video Recap
- Timber Harvest Tax
- GDA Announces Ag Week
- Soil Amendment Bill
- CUVA Bill Waiting Patiently
- Vet Loan Repayment Program
- Budget
- News From Washington
- Bill Tracker
**Inside Agriculture is a newsletter and member benefit for GAC members that highlights the action Under the Gold Dome each week throughout the legislative session. The updates are meant to keep GAC members informed, connected, and engaged in the legislative process. Please share with other leaders within your business who may find these updates helpful.**
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Click the video below for our weekly Capitol update! | |
TIMBER HARVEST TAX REFORM HEARD IN SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE | |
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HR 96, by Representative Noel Williams, was heard in the Senate Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday but did not receive a vote. The bill is expected to be brought up at the next committee meeting.
As noted by our friends at the GA Forestry Association, timber is the only agricultural or mining commodity in Georgia that is subject to a harvest (or “severance”) tax. In addition, it is taxed based on 100% of its value, instead of 40% of its value like other real property (i.e. homes, buildings, land, etc.). This disparity diminishes a forest landowner’s ability to invest in managing their timber and dampens the desire to own Georgia timberland — two factors that threaten Georgia’s standing as the #1 Forestry State in the Nation.
House Resolution 96, seeks to address this disparity with two important provisions: 1. It reduces the tax assessment on harvested timber to 40% of market value, bringing it in line with all other real property in this state. 2. The legislation will have a neutral impact on local government revenue as it includes a mechanism by which the state backfills any lost local revenues estimated at $11 million.
If you are involved in the forestry sector, we are requesting that you contact your State Senator and ask for their positive support for HR 96. As this would be a constitutional amendment, it will require a 2/3 vote in the Senate to be considered on statewide ballots later this year.
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GDA CELEBRATES GEORGIA AG WEEK MARCH 18th – 24th | |
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Atlanta, GA – Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced the kickoff of the 2024 Georgia Ag Week, running from March 18th to March 24th, 2024. This week-long celebration pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of Georgia’s farmers and farm families, who serve as the backbone of the state's #1 industry - agriculture. Through a diverse array of events, participants are invited to join in activities aimed at deepening their understanding and appreciation for Georgia’s No.1 industry.
“Celebrating Georgia Ag Week is an opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of our farmers and farm families who fuel the success of our state's No.1 industry,” said Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This week-long celebration not only recognizes their invaluable contributions, but we hope it will help foster a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the critical role agriculture plays in our lives every single day. I encourage Georgians in every corner of the state to join us in commemorating Georgia Ag Week and supporting our farmers and producers.”
2024 Georgia Ag Week
All Week: 2024 Georgia Grown Photo Contest
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Categories include faces of agriculture, open pastures & growing fields, education, and backyard gardens, with a special category for photographers under 18. Winning photographs may be featured in the 2025 Georgia Grown Magazine and the Department's social media platforms. To submit entries, visit https://gdaforms.wufoo.com/forms/2024-ag-week-photo-contest/.
Monday, March 18th - Hands-On Garden Day encourages participants to explore horticultural products and resources.
Tuesday, March 19th - Lead the Way Tuesday spotlights the future of Georgia agriculture through student involvement.
Wednesday, March 20th - Ag Hero Day honors the unsung heroes of agriculture. Post a picture of your ag hero & tag us on social - #AgHeroDay.
Thursday, March 21st - Ag Literacy Day promotes agricultural literacy among children and the general public.
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Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper reads ‘My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me’ by Roxanne Troup - here.
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Children’s ag literacy reading list - here.
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Adult-oriented ag reading list - here.
Friday, March 22nd - Fork in the Road Friday highlights agriculture and cuisine across the state. Tune in to GPB Saturdays at 8:30 AM for live broadcasts and catch up on episodes here.
Saturday, March 23rd - Buy Georgia Grown Day encourages Georgians to shop for Georgia Grown products from local producers. Purchase Georgia Grown products online, in person, at a farmer's market, or in the grocery store, take a picture, and then tag us on social—#GeorgiaGrown and #BuyGeorgiaGrown.
Sunday, March 24th - Sip & Shop Local Sunday culminates the week with a family-friendly event at Georgia’s Food and Wine Festival. For more information & to purchase tickets, visit https://georgiafoodandwinefestival.com/events/sunday-funday/.
In addition to the photo contest, the Georgia Mobile Dairy Classroom, operated by the Georgia Milk Commission, can be booked to come to your school for a hands-on agriculture experience for students in grades K-5. Within the 30 ft. Mobile Dairy Classroom, attendees can observe live cow demonstrations, gaining a better understanding of milk's journey from farm to table. For further details and scheduling, please visit https://www.milkcow.org/.
Follow the Georgia Ag Week festivities on social media using the hashtags #GaAgWeek, #GeorgiaGrown, and #GDA150. For more information on resources and to participate in Georgia Ag Week, visit http://georgiaagweek.com/
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SOIL AMENDMENT BILL PASSES SENATE AG COMMITTEE | |
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HB 1223, carried by Rep. Rob Leverett, pertains to the regulations of business or individuals who are involved in the application of soil amendments. The bill would prohibit the application of soil amendments on a site or separate site in close proximity if the owner of such site or the person who has applied or distributed a soil amendment on such site is subject to a consent order, enforcement action, or ongoing investigation by the Environmental Protection Division or Georgia Department of Ag. This includes actions regarding the contamination of surface water, groundwater, or soil contamination.
The bill is in response to local issues occurring in Rep. Leverett's and other districts and is an effort to give the Department of Ag more authority in halting bad actors. The soil amendment program is vital to several sectors of agribusiness including the poultry industry.
After robust discussion and several offered amendments, the bill passed the committee by substitute and will now head to Senate Rules in hopes of getting on the general calendar.
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CUVA LEASE BILL AWAITS SENATE VOTE | |
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House Bill 1052, by Representative Chas Cannon, is available to be selected for full Senate debate by the Rules Committee. This Bill seeks to modernize the leasing portion of the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment program. This change will allow for non-family members who are in a Limited Liability Company together to qualify for CUVA when leasing property from a landowner that qualifies on their own.
With the future of farming continually changing with increased land prices, input prices, and more liability, producers are looking to split risk and costs by joining up together. The bill will hopefully ensure that the future of Georgia Agriculture can adapt with the times and allow for the important CUVA program to adapt with it.
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HIGHER ED COMMITTEE PASSES VET LOAN BILL | |
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HB 1274, which amends the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program, passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday. Carried by Representative David Huddleston, this bill is critical for rural communities and producers that rely on large food animal veterinarians. Aimed at current veterinary students or recent graduates, this bill amends the program from an award that one would have to apply for annually to a one-time three-year program. This legislation would allow for each recipient to receive $25,000 per year, provided they practice veterinary medicine in a rural county with a population of 50,000 or less.
The Georgia Agribusiness Council is thankful for Rep. Huddleston’s work on this legislation that will have a huge positive impact for the cattle industry and Georgia veterinarians.
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LEGISLATURE HONORS LATE SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON
On Thursday, Speaker Jon Burns and the House of Representatives welcomed former Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal as well as current Governor Brian Kemp for a ceremony to unveil a portrait of the late Speaker David Ralston. Speaker Ralston served as Speaker of the House for over a decade and his portrait will now greet House Members as they walk into the Chamber. The painting was commissioned by Ralston’s Alma Mater, the University of North Georgia. It was a moving ceremony that involved many stories of late Speaker Ralston’s time spent serving his district and the state.
The Senate joined in on remembering the former Speaker, by passing a Senate Resolution that encouraged the University of North Georgia to name a building after him. The actions taken by both chambers are a testament to all of the things that Speaker David Ralston did for this State in his time.
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ANOTHER FOREIGN ADVERSARY BILL PASSES HOUSE AG | |
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SB 132 was passed out of the House Ag Committee Tuesday afternoon. This bill, carried by Senator Brandon Beech, passed the Senate and was recommitted to the House committee on Sine Die last year. There are several similar bills in play in both the House and Senate.
Like the other bills, this legislation prohibits nonresident aliens from foreign adversarial nations from purchasing agricultural land or land within ten miles of a military installation. The bill incorporates language from HB 1093 by Rep. David Clark which failed to be heard on the House floor on Crossover Day. The other version of this bill, SB 420, has yet to see any action since passing the Senate on Crossover Day, but is expected to be heard in House Ag committee soon.
We will continue to stay engaged in all versions of this policy issue to ensure it protects valuable ag land without harming several key ag input businesses that are important to the ag sector.
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Senate Confirms Gooden at USDA, Mersinger at CFTC
The Senate confirmed President Biden’s nominations of Basil Ivanhoe Gooden to be Agriculture undersecretary for rural development and Summer Mersinger, a re-appointee, as a commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for a term that expires on April 28, 2028.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., ranking member on the committee, jointly announced their confirmation, which was unanimous by voice vote. Stabenow added, “Dr. Gooden and Commissioner Mersinger are both extremely qualified for these positions. They were both raised on farms and understand the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
Stabenow Prepared to Leave Senate Without Passing a New Farm Bill
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., used a White House event to reiterate once again that she’s not giving in to GOP demands to take money from the nutrition title to fund other provisions in a new farm bill, writes Agri-Pulse. She also restated her opposition to repurposing conservation funding in the Inflation Reduction Act that’s restricted to climate-related farming practices.
Republicans in both the House and Senate have proposed to put restrictions on future updates of the Thrifty Food Plan, the economic model that’s used to set SNAP benefits. Doing so could save $30 billion over 10 years. “We’re just not going to do it. I'm not going to do it,” Stabenow said.
She went on, “They can stare me down all they want, it’s not going to make any difference. … They think I want a farm bill so bad that I’ll do anything.” Stabenow, who isn’t running for re-election, said again that she’s prepared to leave the Senate without passing a new farm bill. “If that means we continue the policies of the 2018 farm bill, which are pretty good, if I do say so myself, then that's okay.”
Vilsack Testifies Before Senate Ag Committee
At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack heard familiar concerns about the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation, foreign land ownership, the proposed Packers & Stockyards Act rules, and the impact of California’s Proposition 12, which he has recently begun saying points up the need for Congress to craft a legislative solution to prevent all 50 states from passing their own laws defining which types of food products can or cannot be sold in their states.
In his opening statement, Vilsack repeated his frequent point that the biggest problem in rural America is the unequal distribution of income between large and small farmers.
The Senate hearing with Vilsack lasted just two hours and 45 minutes, compared with five hours last week at the House Agriculture Committee.
Senators Seek to Get Biofuels on Ships
The Senate version of a bill aimed at getting ocean-going vessels has been introduced, reports Agri-Pulse. The “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act,” led by Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, would allow fuel produced for ships to earn credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard. A House bill was introduced earlier.
Biofuels for ocean-going vessels are currently excluded from the definition of transportation fuels under the RFS. EPA would still need to increase the renewable volume obligations to accommodate the increased usage.
“There would be no guarantee that RVOs would be adjusted as part of the change, but we want to make sure that all markets that could conceivably use biomass-based diesel have the ability to get the same credits under the program,” according to industry economist Jonathan Martin.
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SB 132 - Senators Beech, Dolezal, Goodman, Summers, and Anderson
A bill to prohibit foreign entities from purchasing agricultural land. Incorporates language from HB 1093.
Status - Passed the Senate on 3/2/23. Passed House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs by substitute on 3/12/24.
SB 349 – Senators Hufstetler, Albers, Esteves, Echols, and Anavitarte
A bill to revise provisions related to the setting of millage rates and provide for a statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the amount by which a homestead's current year assessed value is more than 3% from the adjusted base year value and others. Includes language from HB 1115 & HB 1031.
Status – Passed Senate by a vote of 42-7 on 2/15/24. Passed House Ways and Means on 3/14/24.
SB 420 – Senators Anavitarte, Goodman, Beach, Cowsert, and Gooch
A bill to prohibit certain foreign entities from purchasing agricultural land.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 41-11 by substitute on 2/29/24. Referred to House Judiciary on 3/4/24.
SB 426 - Senator Tillery
A bill relating to tort reform involving direct action. Will revise requirements for joining of a motor carrier and motor carrier's insurer to a cause of action and provide for subrogation for unpaid final judgments relative to causes of action involving motor carriers.
Status - Passed the Senate by a vote of 46-2 on 2/13/24. Passed House Judiciary on 3/12/24.
SB 429 – Senators Dolezal, Gooch, Kennedy, Robertson, Anavitarte, and others
A bill to enact the Small Business Protection Act of 2024. This would provide for an analysis of the economic impact of bills or rules on small businesses at the request of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or any member of the General Assembly.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 40-13 with amendment on 2/26/24. Heard in House Budget & Fiscal Affairs on 3/7/24. No action taken.
SB 437 – Senators Robertson, Kirkpatrick, Watson, Strickland, and Sims
A bill to prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to people under the age of 21 and to provide regulations for disclosing THC contents to consumers.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 49-1 by substitute on 2/29/24. Passed the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs on 3/7/24.
SB 494 – Senators Watson, Robertson, Kirkpatrick, Goodman, and Sims
A bill to regulate hemp products and hemp grower licenses.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 43-5 with amendment on 2/27/24. Passed the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 3/7/24.
SB 542 – Senators Watson, Kennedy, and Gooch
A bill to limit the public’s right of navigable streams to only using water as highways and for hunting and fishing. The public is not permitted to trespass upon privately owned beds.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 51-0 by substitute on 2/29/24. Referred to House Judiciary on 3/4/24.
SB 578 - Senators Watson, Goodman, Anderson, and Echols
A bill to revoke water withdrawal permits from if land is converted to use for solar facilities.
Status - Referred to Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 3/13/24.
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HB 449 – Reps. Knight, Corbett, Rhodes, Cannon, and Pirkle
The bill would do away with an exemption provided in the Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) program that allows for the installation of solar panels on land in a CUVA covenant if that portion of the land is removed from the covenant and the penalty is paid.
Status - Passed House Ways and Means Committee 3/3/23. Recommitted to committee on 3/29/23.
HB 452 – Reps. Pirkle, Jasperse, Meeks, Rhodes, Knight
A bill to prohibit the foreign ownership of agricultural land by any non-resident alien, government, or business from a country considered to be foreign adversary as determined by the US Secretary of Commerce. It would also restrict ownership by those individuals, governments, and businesses of any land that is within a 25-mile radius of a military facility.
Status - Passed House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 2/28/23. Recommitted to committee on 3/29/23.
HB 808 - Reps. Cheokas, Yearta, Mathiak, Ridley, Powell & Dubnik
A bill to exempt tangible personal property from ad valorem taxes if the fair market value does not exceed $50,000.00.
Status - Passed the House by a vote of 125-42 on 2/26/24. Passed Senate Finance on 3/6/24.
HB 827 – Reps. Smith, Dickey, Pirkle, Leverett, Hagan, and Huddleston
A bill to increase the penalties for livestock theft.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 156-12 on 2/26/24. Passed Senate Judiciary by substitute on 3/7/24.
HB 904 – Reps. Vance, Jackson, Campbell, Mainor, and Washburn
A bill to change certain provisions relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 168-1 on 2/21/24. Passed Senate Regulated Industries on 3/14/24.
HB 905 – Reps. Reeves, Roberts, Leverett, LaHood, and Washburn
A bill to repeal provisions authorizing administrative officers to exercise zoning powers.
Status – Passed House 167-0 on 2/1/24. Passed Senate State and Local Government - General on 3/11/24.
HB 912 – Reps. Anderson, Rhodes, Burchett, Smith, and Williams
A bill to revise the definition of “multipurpose off-highway vehicle” and amend regulations relating to ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles.
Status – Passed House by a vote of 168-0 on 2/15/24. Passed Senate Transportation on 3/11/24.
HB 926 – Reps. Reeves, Mainor, Greene, Hilton, and Vance
A bill to authorize individuals to obtain a certificate of good standing and use it as evidence of good moral character for employment, housing, and occupational licensing.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 159-1 by substitute on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Judiciary on 3/4/24.
HB 927 – Reps. Hagan, Efstration, Anderson, Cannon, and Sainz
A bill to authorize fluorescent pink hunting outer garments.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 166-1 on 2/26/24. Passed Senate Natural Resources and Environment by substitute on 3/13/24.
HB 994 – Reps. Powell, Rhodes, Leverett, Cox, Barrett, and McDonald
A bill to revise liability for the negligent operation of a vessel and to provide clarification for claims against owners of boat liveries.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 163-1 on 2/21/24. Heard in Senate Insurance on 3/6/24. No action taken.
HB 997 – Reps. Corbett, Ridley, Hitchens, Prince, and Powell
A bill to disqualify individuals from operating a commercial motor vehicle upon the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s receipt of a positive drug test or refusal to submit a test.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 162-1 on 2/12/24. Passed Senate Public Safety on 3/6/24.
HB 1017 – Reps. Seabaugh, Reeves, Burchett, Crowe, and Silcox
A bill to deem those who enter and reside upon land or premises without the knowledge or consent of the owner as guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 167-0 by substitute on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Judiciary on 3/11/24.
HB 1019 – Reps. Reeves, Burns, Blackmon, Jones, Knight, and Silcox
A bill to raise homestead exemptions from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 and allow for those participating in the rural housing program to receive the same homestead exemption.
Status – Passed House 162-0 on 2/8/24. Heard in Senate Finance on 3/11/24. No action taken.
HB 1031 – Reps. Blackmon, Knight, Martin, and Crowe
A bill to define “estimated roll-back rate” and direct the chief appraiser to appraise every parcel in 2025 and every three years thereafter.
Status – Passed House by a vote of 146-24 by substitute on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Finance on 3/4/24.
HB 1048 – Reps. Carpenter, Huddleston, Cameron, Hilton, and Vance
A bill to make cornbread the official bread of the state.
Status – Passed House by a vote of 155-3 on 2/9/24. Passed Senate Economic Development and Tourism on 3/12/24.
HB 1052 – Reps. Cannon, Dickey, Huddleston, McCollum, and Meeks
A bill to allow corporations to qualify for CUVA if the land they are leasing is used for agriculture or timber purposes and if the corporation ownership includes at least one US citizen.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 166-2 by substitute on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Finance on 3/8/24.
HB 1096 – Reps. Washburn, Werkheiser, Evans, and Powell
A bill to allow the Secretary of State to refuse to renew professional licenses unless the licensee has completed the required continuing education (if applicable to the profession).
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 167-1 by substitute on 2/29/24. Heard in Senate Regulated Industries on 3/5/24. No action taken.
HB 1099 – Reps. Huddleston, Burchett, Cannon, Camp, and Rhodes
A bill to constitute a charge of criminal trespass against individuals who enter the land of another person that has been marked with purple paint marks on either trees or posts on said property.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 167-0 on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Judiciary on 3/4/24.
HB 1115 – Reps. Williams, Kelley, Crowe, Blackmon, and Horner
A bill to cap local sales and use taxes at three (3) percent.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 167-2 on 2/27/24. Heard in Senate Finance on 3/11/24. No action taken.
HB 1127 – Reps. Pirkle, Corbett, Rhodes, and Lott
A bill to prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to people under the age of 21 and to provide regulations for disclosing the inclusion of THC to consumers.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 165-1 on 2/27/24. Referred to Senate Regulated Industries on 2/29/24.
HB 1146 – Reps. Stephens, Hitchens, and Petrea
A bill to allow the Environmental Protection Division to issue water permits to private companies in areas where no public water service can be provided within 12 months.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 105-58 on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Natural Resources on 3/12/24.
HB 1172 – Reps. Burchett, Rhodes, Leverett, Smith, and Williams
A bill to limit the public’s right of navigable streams to only using water as highways and for hunting and fishing. The public is not permitted to trespass upon privately owned beds.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 107-60 on 2/26/24. Referred to Senate Judiciary on 2/27/24.
HB 1185 – Reps. Camp, Washburn, Frye, Martin, and Blackmon
A bill to provide for statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes when current year assessed value exceeds the inflation rate. Incorporates language from SB 349.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 169-0 on 2/27/24. Passed Senate Finance on 3/12/24.
HB 1190 – Reps. Collins, Powell, Cheokas, Gaines, and Ridley
A bill to allow the division director to issue professional licenses should the licensing board fail to issue a license within 60 days of receiving the application.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 167-0 on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Regulated Industries on 3/12/24.
HB 1223 – Reps. Leverett, Petrea, Prince, Jackson, and Adesanya
A bill to prohibit individuals from distributing a soil amendment on a site that is currently subject to a consent order issued by the EPD.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 165-0 by substitute on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 3/12/24.
HB 1237 – Reps. Cannon, Corbett, Dickey, Meeks, and Campbell
A bill to remove the acreage requirement from the definition of a producer in relation to citrus fruits.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 166-0 on 2/26/24. Passed Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 3/12/24.
HB 1239 – Reps. Collins, Corbett, Rhodes, Jasperse, and Dickey
A bill to define miniature on-road vehicles and provide licensing requirements and regulations for operators.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 168-1 on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Public Safety on 3/7/24.
HB 1253 - Reps. Anderson, Greene, Jackson, Corbett, Houston, and Smith
A bill to establish special rural districts and provide provisions for funds for those districts. Incorporates language from Rep. Lynn Smith's HB 999.
Status - Passed the House by a vote of 168-1 on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Government Oversight on 3/4/24.
HB 1260 – Senators Gaines, Jones, Burchett, Dickey, Smith, and Anulewicz
A bill to require the Commissioner of Agriculture to establish and maintain a directory of nicotine vapor products for sale in the state.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 163-4 by substitute on 2/29/24. Heard in Senate Regulated Industries on 3/14/24. No action taken.
HB 1274 – Reps. Huddleston, Ridley, Dickey, Pirkle, Thomas, and Cameron
A bill to amend the terms of the state veterinary loan repayment program so as to change the rural county population requirement to less than 50,000 and to change the payments to no more than $75,000 in the three-year program.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 166-1 on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Higher Education on 3/13/24.
HB 1294 – Reps. Pirkle, Green, and Werkheiser
A bill to allow the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to finance and perform duties related to natural gas facilities.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 155-7 on 2/29/24. Passed Senate Regulated Industries on 3/14/24.
HB 1322 – Reps. Cannon, Corbett, Rhodes, Williams, Pirkle, and LaHood
A bill related to hemp regulation as it pertains to legal limits of delta-9-THC concentration.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 166-3 on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Regulated Industries on 3/4/24.
HB 1371 – Rep. Burchett
A bill relating to torts regarding owners and occupants of land.
Status – Passed the House by a vote of 168-0 by substitute on 2/29/24. Referred to Senate Judiciary on 3/4/24.
HB 1459 - Reps. Campbell, Dickey, and Greene
A bill to exempt diesel exhaust fuel used for agricultural purposes from sales tax.
Status - Passed House Ways and Means on 3/14/24.
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SB 352 – Senators Anderson, Albers, Robertson, Williams, and Payne
A bill to provide standards for the alteration and operation of motor vehicles with modified suspension systems.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 41-9 on 1/30/24. Passed the House by a vote of 136-33 on 3/7/24.
SB 353 – Senators Dolezal and Dixon
A bill to amend weight and dimension requirements for modular unit transporters.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 51-1 on 1/29/24. Passed the House by a vote of 152-0 on 2/16/24.
SB 410 – Senators Kirkpatrick, Walker, Robertson, Payne, and Anavitarte
A bill to provide temporary licenses to out-of-state veterinarians and to exempt certain services performed by out-of-state vets from licensing requirements.
Status – Passed Senate by a vote of 52-0 on 2/8/24. Passed House by substitute by a vote of 170-0 on 3/7/24.
SB 436 – Senators Watson, Goodman, Anderson, Walker, Ginn, and others
A bill to give operators of farm vehicles the right of way on a state or local roadways when it is unsafe for the farm vehicle to pull off to the far-right-hand side of the road.
Status – Passed the Senate by a vote of 48-0 on 2/16/24. Passed the House by a vote of 165-0 on 3/11/24.
HB 880 – Reps. Ballard, Bonner, Burchett, Blackmon, Prince & Sainz
A bill to allow transitioning military spouses to use an existing license in good standing from another state to obtain employment in the State of Georgia.
Status - Passed the House by a vote of 168-0 on 2/27/24. Passed the Senate by a vote of 54-0 on 3/14/24.
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SB 364 – Senators Albers, Hufstetler, Summers, Still, and Anavitarte
A bill to provide for a statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the lesser of 3 percent or the inflation rate from the adjusted base year value, and others.
Status – Heard in the Finance Committee on 1/29/24. No action taken.
SB 393 – Senators Dixon, Walker, Lucas, and Summers
A bill to permit certain qualified individuals to register with the Health Department to conduct soil investigations and prepare soil reports of a site.
Status – Referred to the committee on State and Local Governmental Operations on 1/25/24.
SB 403 – Senators Ginn, Dixon, Echols, Hufstetler, and Walker
A bill to list and describe necessary components in annual tax assessment notices, including methods for filing appeals and all assessment values.
Status – Passed the committee on Finance on 2/21/24.
SB 404 – Senators Moore and Beach
A bill to set the income tax rate at 5.49% and then reduce it by 1% each year until it reaches zero percent.
Status – Referred to the committee on Finance on 1/26/24.
SB 408 – Senator Brass
A bill to retract the Board of Natural Resources’ power to require fluoridation of drinking water in incorporated communities.
Status – Heard in the committee on Natural Resources on 2/14/24. No action taken.
SB 470 – Senators Setzler, Albers, Kirkpatrick, and Halpern
A bill to provide for notices of vacancy against tenants and those occupying land or tenement.
Status – Passed the committee on Public Safety on 2/15/24.
SB 471 – Senators Williams, Anderson, Walker, Payne, and Beach
A bill to change renewal dates for professional licenses. Licenses issued after January 1, 2025 are valid for up to four years, with exceptions for certain licensing boards. Those exempted will remain valid for up to two years.
Status – Passed the committee on Regulated Industries on 2/15/24.
SB 488 – Senators Summers, Kennedy, Goodman, Walker, and Anderson
A bill to provide exemptions from ad valorem taxes for aircraft used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
Status – Failed to pass the committee on Finance on 2/21/24.
SB 489 – Senators Goodman, Watson, Summers, Hodges, and Anderson
A bill to designate the blueberry the state berry of Georgia.
Status – Passed the committee on Economic Development & Tourism on 2/22/24.
SB 525 – Senators Gooch, Ginn, Robertson, Harbin, and Goodman
A bill to prohibit the sale of ethanol gasoline.
Status – Referred to the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/20/24.
HB 848 – Reps. Taylor, Lumsden, Collins, Hitchens, and Dunahoo
A bill to authorize the enforcement of excess vehicle weight violations through an automated vehicle weight detection system.
Status - Referred to the committee on Motor Vehicles on 1/8/24.
HB 893 – Rep. Thomas
A bill to provide exemptions from ad valorem taxes for homesteads used for agricultural purposes, subject to certain circumstances.
Status - Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/10/24.
HB 908 – Reps. Ridley, J., Ridley, J., Jasperse, Fleming, and Persinger
A bill to require food service establishments to disclose if food products contain cell-cultured meat and/or plant-based meat alternatives.
Status – Heard in the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/22/24. No action taken.
HB 922 – Reps. Vance, Tarvin, Lunsden, Collins, and Hitchens
A bill to constitute the entrance upon another’s property without consent of the owner as an offense of criminal trespass.
Status – Heard in the Judiciary Non-Civil subcommittee on 2/15/24. No action taken.
HB 981 – Reps. Burchett, Cannon, Dickey, Meeks, and Rhodes
A bill to exempt agricultural structures from permit fees in excess of $500.00.
Status – Heard in the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 1/31/24. No action taken.
HB 999 - Reps. Smith, Greene, Jackson, Stinson, and Cannon
A bill to define special rural districts and allow those districts to qualify for certain state and federal funds.
Status - Referred to the committee on Governmental Affairs on 1/24/24.
HB 1011 – Reps. Momtahan, Gullett, Daniel, Leverett, and Cannon
A bill to prohibit insurers from unfair and deceptive acts because the applicant or insured inquires about or submits a claim for which no payment is made.
Status – Referred to the committee on Insurance on 1/25/24.
HB 1047 – Rep. Byrd
A bill to set the income tax rate at 5.49% then reduce it by 1% each year until it reaches zero percent.
Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 1/26/24.
HB 1093 – Reps. Clark, Pirkle, Blackmon, Corbett, and Bonner
A bill to prohibit certain foreign companies or individuals from purchasing agricultural land.
Status – Passed the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/14/24. Withdrawn from Rules calendar and recommitted to the Rules Committee on 2/27/24 by Rep. David Clark.
HB 1119 – Reps. Carson and Hilton
A bill to provide specific dimension requirements for altered suspension systems on motor vehicles.
Status – Heard in the committee on Motor Vehicles on 2/16/24. No action taken.
HB 1120 – Reps. Taylor, Ehrhart, Mathiak, Smith, and Thomas
A bill to provide that a freeze on increased assessment values applies to residential properties only when the property owner has been granted a homestead exemption.
Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 2/6/24.
HB 1142 – Reps. Martin, Gullett, Jones, Hilton, and Momtahan
A bill to remove the residency requirement for the issuance of professional licenses for spouses of active or transitioning military personnel.
Status – Referred to the committee on Regulated Industries on 2/7/24.
HB 1152 – Reps. Camp, Carson, Powell, Persinger, and Gullett
A bill to provide regulations and expectations of consumers and solar financing agents in relation to solar energy.
Status – Heard in the committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications on 2/20/24. No action taken.
HB 1164 – Reps. Miller, Smith, T.P., LaHood, Buckner, Fleming, Smith, V., and Willis
A bill to charge individuals with criminal trespass if they enter, without proper licensure or authorization, the enclosure of a wild animal and cause injury or death.
Status – Heard in the committee on Judiciary Non-Civil on 2/22/24. No action taken.
HB 1169 – Reps. Townsend, Smith, DeLoach, Vance, and Reeves
A bill to allow the Environmental Protection Division to deny permit applications if the applicant has violated environmental laws or regulations.
Status – Heard in the subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment on 2/15/24. No action taken.
HB 1173 – Reps. Ridley, Rhodes, Ridley, Cannon, and Corbett
A bill to authorize fishing with bow and arrow for any catfish species in any waters of the state.
Status – Passed the committee on Game, Fish & Parks on 2/13/24.
HB 1177 – Reps. Stephens, Washburn, and Blackmon
A bill to provide for statewide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes when current year assessed value exceeds base year value.
Status – Heard in the subcommittee on Ways and Means on 2/12/24. No action taken.
HB 1195 – Reps. Kendrick, Jackson, Kelley, Greene, Buckner, and Frye
A bill to provide a tax credit to workforce-ready graduates employed in high-tech full-time jobs in rural counties.
Status – Passed the committee on Ways and Means on 2/20/24.
HB 1206 – Reps. Lumsden, Carson, Gullett, Gunter, and Scoggins
A bill to require businesses to treat electronic signatures with the same privacy as physical signatures.
Status – Passed the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/26/24.
HB 1219 – Reps. Silcox, Stephens, and Holland
A bill to provide for a pilot program to enforce traffic laws relating to excessive noise levels.
Status – Referred to the committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security on 2/12/24.
HB 1220 – Reps. Rhodes, Williams, Corbett, Jones, Houston, and Williamson
A bill to give the Public Service Commission regulatory powers over water service providers servicing 1,000 or more customers.
Status – Passed the committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunication on 2/20/24.
HB 1227 – Rep. Thomas
A bill to prohibit squatting and charge those in violation with criminal trespass. A fine will be imposed based on the fair market monthly rental value.
Status – Referred to the committee on Judiciary on 2/12/24.
HB 1263 – Reps. Schofield, Drenner, David, Scott, and Evans
A bill to require state entities to consider and report environmental impacts before taking certain actions and to create the Environmental Justice Commission.
Status – Referred to the committee on Natural Resources and Environment on 2/15/24.
HB 1285 – Reps. McCollum, Hitchens, Jones, Fleming, and Hilton
A bill to prohibit the sale of mufflers when it is known that it will produce excessive noise.
Status – Referred to the committee on Motor Vehicles on 2/16/24.
HB 1286 – Reps. Corbett, Cannon, Williams, LaHood, and Rhodes
A bill to regulate hemp products and hemp grower licenses.
Status – Passed the committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs on 2/22/24.
HB 1289 – Reps. Gunter, Anderson, and Jasperse
A bill to prohibit people from operating motor vehicles with more than six wheels on dangerous highways (term defined by the Department of Transportation).
Status – Referred to the committee on Transportation on 2/16/24.
HB 1300 – Rep. Prince
A bill related to the disclosure of a taxing authority’s intent to increase property taxes.
Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 2/20/24.
HB 1315 – Reps. Williams, Meeks, Corbett, Jones, and Campbell
A bill to exempt aircraft used for agricultural purposes from ad valorem taxes.
Status – Referred to the committee on Ways and Means on 2/21/24.
HB 1397 - Rep. Burchett
A bill to identify the waterways presumed to be navigable in the state.
Status - Heard in Natural Resources Subcommittee on 2/26/24. No action taken.
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STAR SPONSOR TIME
The 2024 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is now underway, and it's off to a good start. This program assists with events during the legislative session along with building support for a variety of projects and initiatives that cannot take place without the added participation.
Star Sponsors are reflected in each of our newsletters and are included with the weekly legislative reports throughout each session of the Georgia General Assembly and more.
Click here for 2024 Star Sponsor registration information, email Jill Hansard, or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Thank you!
*Star Sponsors listed below are as of 3/14/2024
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Georgia FFA Association
Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center
Georgia Forestry Association
Georgia Fresh, LLC
Georgia Grown Citrus @ JoNina Farm
Georgia Milk Producers Inc.
Georgia Peach Council
Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Georgia Watermelon Association
Georgia Women in Agriculture Association, Inc.
Green Fern Enterprises, LLC
Greene County Fertilizer Co.
Grow Green Services, LLC
Hat Creek Peanut Co. Inc.
Hazel Creek Cider, Inc. / Yearwood Farms, Inc.
Hulsey Farm Services
JKB Farm Services LLC
Lenox Peanut Company
L. R. Land & Cattle Company, Inc.
Lyle Farms, LLC
Majors Electric & Mechanical Company, Inc.
Moultrie Colquitt County Development Authority
National Peanut Buying Points Association
Northeast Georgia Livestock, LLC
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Omega Farms of GA
Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.
Patrick Farms
Peebles Timber, Inc. / Longleaf LLC
Pike Creek Turf, Inc.
Quality Gin, Inc.
RAJ Farms Inc.
Samara Plantation LLC
Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Co.
Shealy Farms, Inc.
Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association, Inc.
Southern AGCOM Inc.
Southern Crop Production Association
Southern Seed Co., Inc. & Hinson Family Ptrship.
Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc
Southern Livestock
Stanley Farms
The Dairy Alliance, Inc.
Three Brothers Trucking, LLC
Tri Scapes, Inc.
UGA Innovation Gateway
University of Georgia Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication
Vidalia Onion Business Council
Wallace Farm and Pet Supply, Inc.
Walter J. Turner Farms
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HELP FIGHT FOR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE: SUPPORT THE GA AgPAC TODAY
In a policy environment that is rapidly changing, supporting state political leaders that understand and support agribusiness has never been more important than it is today.
The Georgia Agribusiness Council was created for the purpose of advocating for agricultural interests in the legislative and regulatory arenas. This lofty initiative continues to get harder and harder each election cycle. In our efforts to advance these activities, the Council formed the Georgia AgPAC several years ago that utilizes member's donations to:
* Financially support the campaigns of political candidates who are supportive of agriculture;
* Educating elected officials and key decision makers on issues important to agribusiness;
* Advocacy of issues that advance our industry and rural communities
We ask for your financial support so that we can continue to fight on behalf of Georgia agribusiness interests. Campaign contributions from Georgia AgPAC is restricted to non-federal candidates in races for legislative and statewide offices. Georgia AgPAC needs your contribution to advance this initiative.
Your corporate or personal commitment will help us prepare today. All donations are welcome. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or click here to download the donation form to be a partner in this effort.
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April 4 I ATHENS
Flavor of Georgia
Contestant registration is open for the 2024 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Join us on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Classic Center in Athens, Ga.
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This information is intended for members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. No part of this document shall be copied, edited, or redistributed in any form without express written consent from the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.
Georgia Agribusiness Council | 706-336-6830 | WWW.GA-AGRIBUSINESS.ORG
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CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY | | | | |
