Volume 34, No. 11 | March 22, 2024

Published by the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. 

WEEKLY BRIEF

Legislators marked off three more legislative days this week and enter the last week of session with plenty of work to get done in the final two days. Not only are several GAC priority issues still looming, but the Senate must pass their version of the FY 2025 budget so they can work out the final discrepancies with the House version. The political games are already being played as bills get stripped and loaded down with new language that has very little to do with the underlying bill.

In this issue:

• Weekly Video Recap
• Navigable Waters
• Timber Harvest Tax
• Foreign Owned Ag Land
• Study Committees
• Bills Waiting Patiently
• 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.**

Click the video below for our weekly Capitol update!

NAVIGABLE WATER BILL CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD

The conversation around HB 1172 turned out to be as passionate in Senate Judiciary Committee as it was in the House as Majority Whip James Burchett presented the bill on Monday evening. This bill removes language related to the Public Trust Doctrine that was introduced in SB 115 last session, and it clarifies that the public’s right on navigable streams for passage, hunting, and fishing. While there were many concerns about the significant changes made to the state’s property and water rights, the agribusiness community found the codification of the Public Trust Doctrine to be particularly problematic.

The committee asked extensive questions about the nature of the Public Trust Doctrine and the pending litigation in other states. After testimony from GAC’s Jake Tench and others, the committee passed the bill by a vote of 7-3. This bill seems to be the only option remaining after SB 542 was not heard in House Judiciary earlier in the week. The Senate version by Senator Sam Watson will not move forward as focus will now shift toward the House version in hopes of final passage next week.

TIMBER HARVEST TAX REFORM PASSES SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITH CHANGES

HR 96, by Representative Noel Williams, appeared for a second time in the Senate Finance Committee meeting late on Wednesday night. This time the bill looked a lot different than its original form.

As previously noted, timber is currently the only agricultural or mining commodity in Georgia that is subject to a harvest tax. In addition, it is taxed based on 100% of its value, instead of 40% of its value like other real property. This obviously can be seen as a disincentive to people looking to invest in timberland. 

The original language of House Resolution 96, seeks to address this disparity with two important provisions. The first was to reduce the tax assessment on harvested timber to 40% of market value, bringing it in line with all other real property in this state. The second was that the legislation would 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.

While many on the committee were seemingly supportive of the original language of the bill, there were a few on the committee that wanted to add two amendments. The first amendment would do away with the county reimbursement piece of the legislation. Instead it would make the harvest, or severance, tax based off of 40% of value only applicable to the first $500,000 worth of timber that is harvested. All timber harvested over the $500,000 value mark would continue to be taxed and assessed on 100% of its value. The Second change had to do with the CUVA program as it relates to solar facilities. This change would make any property that has a solar facility installed on a property enrolled in CUVA after January 1^st 2028 would result in a breach of the covenant. The bill ended up passing committee with both changes.

Stakeholders that are interested in this legislation are currently working with legislators to try and maintain the original intent of the legislation while navigating the language that was added.

HOUSE PASSES FOREIGN OWNERSHIP BILL

SB 420 was passed out the Rules Committee on Thursday with a committee substitute. This Bill by Senator Jason Anavitarte, looks to prohibit agents of countries that are designated as adversaries to the United States from purchasing land around bases. The subject matter of this legislation has been a hot issue for many states around the country and Georgia is no different. There are currently three bills that are very similar to one another, but this legislation is the only one that seems to be headed for the finish line of final passage.

The House passed the bill out of the chamber in the form of the Rules Committee Substitute, which included some language that got some attention from a few people around the Capitol. This particular language adds a retroactive piece to the bill which will force any person or entity that falls within the definition of an agent of an adversarial nation to either dispose of possessory interest or change their resident status within the next three years. The bill is currently sitting in the Senate waiting for them to take up a vote to either agree or amend and disagree.



The Governor's office has weighed in on parts of the legislation they believe to be problematic and hope to see corrected before the Senate finalizes the bill.

HOUSE AG AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMITTEES LOOK TOWARD THE SUMMER

As the 2024 legislative session is winding down, legislators are already preparing for the summer by proposing study committees to look deeper into the issues the state is facing.

In the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, Chairman Robert Dickey proposed a study committee (HR 1505) to study the impact of solar facility development on prime agricultural land. Chairman Dickey suggested that the committee look into possible avenues for less desirable land to be used and bringing the Department of Economic Development to the table. His top concern is that we as a state do not sacrifice one industry for another. This intent of the study committee will provide some insight as to what the legislature can do next session. No vote was taken on the resolution at this time.

Game, Fish, and Parks Chairman, Trey Rhodes, also proposed a study committee (HR 1498) on private water systems, including the management and importance of these systems across the state. Chairman Rhodes pointed out that some areas are only serviced by private systems, and the intent would be to see the legislature ensure that customers are being charged fair rates and fees. The resolution passed unanimously.

Chairwoman Lynn Smith presented HR 1554, a resolution creating a study committee to research the navigable streams in Georgia. Many pieces of legislation have been active this session regarding navigable streams, including HB 1172, HB 1397, and SB 542. There has also been a desire to look at the definition of navigable streams by many under the Gold Dome. GAC and other stakeholders have expressed concern over the complexity of the issue and believe that this should be a very thoughtful and slow process to make sure it works for all Georgians. The concerns brought to the legislature by both SB 115 last session and the aforementioned bills this session have led to this point, however we will continue to stay engaged in this process on behalf of agribusiness. The resolution passed the committee unanimously.

HOUSE BILLS WAIT IN SENATE RULES

GAC currently has three priority bills in the Senate Rules committee. This is a very popular place to be heading into the week of Sine Die, but we will continue to push for a vote on the important pieces of legislation.

House Bill 1052, by Representative Chas Cannon

• 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.

House Bill 1274, by Representative David Huddleston

• 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.

House Bill 1172, by Representative James Burchett

• The bill that has been in the works for almost a complete year now is only a couple of steps away. The legislation aims to remove the codification of the Public Trust Doctrine that resulted from the passage of SB115 last year on Sine Die. It looks to preserve private property rights while stating the rights that the public has when using navigable rivers for fishing, hunting, or passage.

SENATE RELEASES THEIR VERSION OF FY25 BUDGET

The Senate released their version of the $36.1 billion FY25 budget with quite a few changes from the version that the House passed. With the state sitting on a $16 billion budget surplus, the Senate committee decided to set aside $63 million toward paying off some of the state’s previous bond debt. The spending plan also looks to be $1.5 billion dollars less than the amended budget for FY24 that was passed just a couple of weeks ago. 

Many of the spending objectives align with what has been done over the past few budget cycles with the inclusion of salary raises for many state workers including another $2,500 teacher pay raise. More than $200 million was allocated to go to school districts to pay for transporting children to school, something local officials have requested for years, and more than $100 million would go to schools for security upgrades. There were also a few notable inclusions and changes in regard to agriculture which are listed below. To see the full Senate version click HERE.

Georgia Department of Agriculture

• Removed $185,000 for the addition of a information security officer
• $700,000 remained for one time funds for agricultural improvements
• $150,000 remains for Feral Hog Taskforce

State Soil and Water Commission

• Removed the $72,000 that was added by the House for the Master Farmer Program

Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission

• Reallocated the Governor’s recommendation for $10.6 million for the purchase of agricultural education equipment statewide

Student Finance Commission

• Included the additional $35,000 for the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program

Cooperative Extension Service

• Corrected the system glitch to appropriate the full $469,000 for the Employer share health benefits

DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) IN GATE PROGRAM

While most people thought DEF was already included, some retailers have refused to recognize DEF used for agriculture production as a part of the GATE tax exemption program. Rep. Joe Campbell worked to add clarity to the issue when he inserted language in SB 340 in the House Ways & Means Committee that would make it official.

DEF is Federally mandated in tier 4 engines. The modified bill passed the House Wednesday and must now go back to the Senate for final approval.

TORT REFORM

You can't always get what you want........that seems to be the theme anytime TORT reform is discussed at the State Capitol as trial lawyers still have more influence (and money) than all business interest combined. Major TORT reform remains elusive, but there have been small movements in the right direction this year.

SB 426, by Senator Tillery (Senate Appropriations Chair) is one of those tort reform efforts impacting motor carriers and their insurers. It passed the House Monday and now heads to the desk of Governor Kemp for signature. Georgia is one of four states that allows “direct action” lawsuits against insurers of motor carriers. This bill changes that and is believed to be helpful in lowering insurance premiums, at a time when many companies won't insure truckers because of the increase liability caused by Georgia being deemed a "judicial hellhole".

The bill was carried by Rep. James Burchett in the House.

USDA Unveils Final 'Product of the USA’ Rule

The Department of Agriculture announced on Monday the finalization of a rule that restricts the voluntary use of "Product of USA" or "Made in USA" labels exclusively to meat products from animals that were born, raised, slaughtered, and processed within the United States.

This rule was proposed a year prior following petitions from beef producer groups who raised concerns that meat from foreign animals could carry these labels if they were processed or packaged in the U.S. The rule clarifies, "The final rule does not create any mandatory country of origin labeling requirements. Producers are not obligated to use these claims. Should certain products no longer be eligible for a 'Product of USA' or 'Made in the USA' claim, producers have the option to employ other U.S.-origin claims or opt not to make any U.S.-origin claim at all."

These labels are optional. The United States had permanent Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork until 2015. However, these were repealed by Congress after Canada and Mexico successfully contested the law at the World Trade Organization, which led to them obtaining the right to impose retaliatory tariffs. The Canadian Cattle Association has criticized the U.S. standard as "the most burdensome in the world" and argued that it disregards other viable alternatives that would honor the high level of integration within our North American supply chains and food systems.

White House Rolls Out President’s Budget  

On Monday, President Biden released his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal. The president’s annual budget serves as a messaging document, as Congress isn’t required to do anything with it. But it does serve a purpose in illustrating what the Administration would like to see Congress fund – or not – in the year ahead. Agri-Pulse reports that the FY25 budget proposal includes $31.6 billion in new budget authority for discretionary programs at USDA, up from $29.26 billion in the newly acted legislation for FY24.

The USDA budget repeats a proposal included in the FY24 budget to revive the $5-per-acre cover crop payment program offered temporarily by USDA in 2021 and 2022 using pandemic relief funding. The program would cost an estimated $825 million over 10 years, including $60 million in FY25. The budget also proposes spending $6.01 billion on research, conservation assistance and other actions that are related to climate, up from the $5.04 billion spent in fiscal 2023. 

The FY25 budget calls for five changes to USDA farm loans that would require authorization from Congress, including allowing the use of direct ownership loans to refinance debt. USDA also wants to expand the lifetime limitation on debt forgiveness from $300,000 to $600,000 and allow future loans to farmers who have gotten debt forgiveness. For international food aid, the FY25 budget includes $1.8 billion for the Food for Peace program, which supplies U.S.-produced commodities to regions of the world in need of food assistance, and $243 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

On food safety, USDA is asking for an additional $3.4 million to fund state meat and poultry inspection under a cooperative agreement. “Through these proposals, more producers would be able to get the financial assistance they need to keep farming and keep the farm in the family,” according to the proposal.



Thompson: ‘Seeing some daylight’ with Ag Democrats

Prospects for passing a farm bill look increasingly dim because of the ongoing disputes over funding and other issues, writes Agri-Pulse. But House Ag Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., insisted in an interview with the publication on Wednesday that it’s still possible to move a bill through his committee as soon as April.

Thompson suggested he would have some Democratic support for the legislation, even though he said it will rely on funding sources, including reallocation of the IRA money, that Democrats have strongly opposed. “We've been working on that … We're seeing some daylight,” he said in reference to getting Democratic support. But a spokesperson for Ag Committee Democrats says that getting Democratic support is “wishful thinking” unless he gives up “draconian cuts to SNAP, conservation, and energy programs that enjoy sustained Democratic support.”

SENATE BILLS

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 3/20/24.

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. Passed House Budget & Fiscal Affairs on 3/21/24.

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.

HOUSE BILLS

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 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. Passed Senate Insurance on 3/19/24.

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. Passed Senate Finance on 3/19/24.

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. Passed Senate Regulated Industries on 3/19/24.

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. Heard in Senate Judiciary on 3/18/24. No action taken.

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. Passed Senate Judiciary on 3/18/24.

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 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 the Senate by a vote of 51-0 on 3/20/24.

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. Passed Senate Government Oversight on 3/18/24.

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. Passed Senate Regulated Industries on 3/19/24.

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. Heard in Senate Regulated Industries on 3/20/24. Tabled by the committee.

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. Passed Senate Judiciary on 3/20/24.

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.

PASSED BOTH CHAMBERS

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 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. Passed the House by a vote of 97-67 3/21/24.

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 the House by a vote of 172-0 on 3/18/24.

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 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 the Senate by substitute by a vote of 52-2 on 3/18/24.

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.

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 the Senate by a vote of 45-6 on 3/18/24.

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 the Senate by a vote of 49-1 on 3/20/24.

FAILED TO CROSSOVER

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.

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 3/21/2024

2024 STAR SPONSORS

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Asmark Institute

Bagwell Insurance Group, Inc.

Dickey Farms Inc.

Georgia CEO

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Georgia Power Co.

Martin Trucking, LLC

Premium Peanut

R & A Orchards, Inc.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit

The Burkhalter Ranch

The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation

Ag Technologies

Albany Dougherty Economic

Development Commission

Carroll EMC

Color Burst

DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.

Fort Valley State University Co-op Ext. Program

Georgia Cotton Commission

Georgia Development Authority

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Peanut Commission

Greg Sikes Farm, LLC

J & B Irrigation Inc.

Jaemor Farms

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Kelley Manufacturing Co.

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Mobley Greenhouses, Inc.

Osage Farms Inc.

Riverview Plantation Inc.

SafEnvirons, Inc.

Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

Sunbelt Greenhouses

Superior Blueberries

Synovus Ag & Timber Group

The Turfgrass Group, Inc.

Triple Creek Farm

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, Inc.

AgLanta Grown

American Peanut Shellers Association

B.C.T. Gin Co., Inc.

B.J. Reece Orchards

Boston Gin Company

Burriss Law Group, LLC

Centurion Poultry Inc.

Chastain & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc.

Circle C Farms Inc.

Citizen Farmers Academy

CLW Harvesting, LLC

Coastal Plains Farmers

Co-Op. Inc.

Cotton Partners LLC

Curry Farm Supply Inc.

EGA, Inc

Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC

 Embry Transport, Inc.

Feeding Georgia

Fresh Plants, Inc.

Funston Gin Co., Inc.

Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents

Georgia Association of Professional Ag Consultants

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Association Inc.

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.

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

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

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. 

APRIL

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.

April 6 I ATHENS

CAES Alumni Awards

Classic Center Atrium

Reception: 11:00 am

Luncheon and Awards: Noon

Registration: https://gail.uga.edu/events/caes/2024-alumni-association-awards

MAY

MAY 1 I FORSYTH

Second Annual Agribusiness Classic Clay Shoot

Join the Agribusiness Council and its members on May 1 in Forsyth at Meadows Clay Sports for our second annual clay shoot. More details will be coming soon!

Registration: https://connect.computility.com/f/fid.php?id=42a54b5a48ce754be7b73b0e19e56628

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

CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY