Legislative Report Week 10
Legislative Report Week 9
March 14, 2025
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This week, the General Assembly convened on Tuesday, March 18th, and met for 3 legislative days and 1 committee workday. The week concluded on Friday, March 21st, legislative day 34. With only two more weeks of the 2025 legislative session, the last day of session, Sine Die, is looming close. However, any bill which does not pass this year will be eligible for consideration next year.
The General Assembly will convene for legislative day 35 on Tuesday, March 25th. |
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Hurricane Helene Relief Bill Heads to Governor's Desk On Thursday, HB 223 by Representative James Burchett (R-Waycross) received final approval from the House chamber and will now head to the Governor's desk for his signature. This bill was the tax relief package for farmers and foresters recovering from Hurricane Helene.
HB 223 will exempt all agricultural disaster payments for Hurricane Helene from the state income tax, exempt related crop insurance payments from income tax for taxable year 2025, provide a reforestation tax credit for up to $550 per acre for trees used in the production of food or wood, and expand the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption program until the end of 2025 to include building materials for poultry houses, livestock barns, and greenhouses. Additionally, the language from SB 52 will allow counties within the FEMA declared disaster area to receive a grant for the previous three year average of harvest tax revenue as long as foresters in that county were exempt from paying harvest tax the final quarter of 2024 and all 2025.
We applaud the General Assembly and Governor Kemp for their work trying to provide relief to those affected by the storm. Be on the lookout next week for a comprehensive analysis of the bill. Many provisions of this bill are time sensitive, and we hope everyone can take advantage of the benefits. |
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Tort Reform Heads to Governor's Desk SB 68 by Senator John Kennedy (R-Macon) is headed to Governor Kemp's desk! The General Assembly and Governor Kemp were able to make a historic push for meaningful, comprehensive tort reform. This bill will help bring balance to the judicial system and relieve the pressure businesses face from frivolous lawsuits and out-of-control jury verdicts.
On Thursday, the bill squeaked through the House 91-82, receiving exactly the number of votes needed to pass. Representative James Burchett (R-Waycross) presented SB 68 on the House floor. The vote was mostly along party lines. However, 8 Republicans voted no, but 3 Democrats voted yes to make up for the few Republicans who broke from the caucus. The following Democrats broke caucus in favor of the bill: Rep. Mack Jackosn (D-Sandersville), Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), and Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah). The following Republicans broke caucus against tort reform: Rep. Buddy Deloach (R-Townsend), Noelle Kahaian (R- Locust Grove), Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) Danny Mathis (R-Cochran), Jordan Ridley (R-Woodstock), Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), and Dale Washburn (R-Macon).
On Friday, the bill received its final approval from the Senate, 34-21. In the Senate, one Democrat voted in favor of the bill, Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), and one Republican voted against the bill Colton Moore (R-Trenton).
We applaud the work Governor Kemp, Senator John Kennedy, Representative James Burchett and leadership in both chambers put forth to get this accomplished. |
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CUVA Acreage Cap Increase Heads to Governor's Desk On Tuesday, HB 90 and HR 32 by Representative Church Efstration (R-Mulberry) was considered by the full Senate chamber. The bill was presented on the floor by Senator Sam Watson (R-Moultrie) and will increase the acreage cap limit for land enrolled in the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment, CUVA, program from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres.
HB 90 passed with strong support, 47-3, and will now head to Governor Kemp for final approval. We appreciate the work of Majority Leader Efstration and Chairman Watson on this important measure for farmers. |
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Ag Water Metering Passes Senate Committee On Thursday, the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee considered HB 143 by Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella). This bill looks to make the agricultural water withdrawal metering program more streamlined, saving the state and farmers money. It will shift the burden to the state for funding the installation of meters and only require permits the state deems necessary to be metered. The goal of this legislation is to bring more farmers into compliance while reducing the regulatory burden.
The bill passed committee with unanimous support and will be considered by the full Senate chamber on Tuesday. |
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USDA's $10 Billion ECAP: Economic Relief for 2024 Crop Year Farmers The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is distributing up to $10 billion in direct payments to farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), targeting economic challenges from the 2024 crop year. Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, this initiative addresses rising input costs and falling commodity prices that have strained agricultural producers. The program focuses on supporting farmers by reducing 2024 crop-related debt, potentially easing access to financing for the 2025 season.
ECAP payments apply to a range of commodities based on 2024 planted or prevented planted acres, including wheat ($30.69/acre), corn ($42.91/acre), soybeans ($29.76/acre), cotton ($84.74/acre), long and medium grain rice ($76.94/acre), peanuts ($75.51/acre), and oilseeds like canola ($31.83/acre). Payments are calculated per-acre, not by production, with prevented planting acres receiving 50% of the rate. For example, corn's rate drops to $21.46/acre for prevented planting. Producers who submitted an FSA-578 acreage report for 2024 will receive pre-filled applications shortly after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025.
The application window runs from March 19, 2025, to August 15, 2025, with submissions accepted in-person, by fax, or online via fsa.usda.gov/ecap using a login.gov account. Initial payments, factored at 85% (e.g., $36.47/acre for corn), will be issued as applications are approved, ensuring funds don't exceed the $10 billion cap; a second payment may follow if money remains. Producers who haven't reported 2024 acres must do so by August 15, 2025, and may need forms like AD-2047 or CCC-943 on file. An online calculator at fsa.usda.gov/ecap provides payment estimates. This $10 billion effort reflects a streamlined response to 2024's economic pressures on farmers nationwide. |
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Georgia Farm Bureau Presidents Push Labor, Farm Bill, and Trade Fixes in D.C. From March 11-13, 2025, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) county presidents and State Board Legislative Committee members descended on Washington, D.C., meeting with eight of Georgia's 14 congressional district offices and both senators to tackle key issues for the state's $91.4 billion agricultural sector. The delegation focused on soaring labor costs, Farm Bill priorities, and trade barriers, while a meeting with the European Union (EU) added global context.
Agricultural labor woes led the charge, with the H-2A visa program's 2025 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) hitting $16.08 per hour in Georgia--up 9.5% from 2024--plus over $3 hourly in added costs, as one attendee noted. County presidents noted the situation is out of control, buoyed by bipartisan recognition of the program's flaws amid massive worker shortages. GFB advocated for an AEWR freeze, streamlined processes, and USDA oversight.
With the 2018 Farm Bill expiring September 30, 2025, GFB pressed for a 2025 bill boosting commodity prices and securing $5 billion yearly for crop insurance and disaster aid after Hurricane Helene's $6 billion toll.
Also, trade talks targeted Mexico's $1 billion GMO corn ban and Canada's tariffs on poultry and peanuts, pushing for robust USMCA enforcement. Trade relations between the U.S. and the EU were highlighted by counselor Dr. Silke Boger emphasized the $1.7 trillion U.S.-EU trade relationship, with Georgia's peanut exports in focus, underscoring GFB's call for practical, farmer-friendly policies. |
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Reps. Efstration, Dickey, Hagan, and Buckner This bill is intended to double the maximum allowed acreage in Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/18/2025)
Reps. Hong, Gambill, McDonald III, Wade, Williamson, and others This bill intends to reduce the individual income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% for taxable years beginning in January, 2025. Starting in 2026 the tax rate will be reduced 0.10% annually until it reaches 4.99%. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/20/2025)
Reps. McDonald III, Hong, Gambill, Wade, Powell, and others This bill creates a one-time tax credit for any taxpayer who filed for an income tax return in 2023 and 2024. The amount would be $250 for single or married filing separately, $375 for a head of household, and $500 for married filing jointly. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/20/2025)
Reps. McDonald III, Crowe, Hitchens, Lumsden, and Barrett This bill renames the Georgia Department of Public Safety's Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) and updates language to include law enforcement responsibilities and provides terminology to explain how officers will be trained and what they enforce. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/20/2025)
Reps. Dickey, Smith, Yearta, Greene, Cannon, and others This bill will return the responsibility of metering to the State where an amendment, transfer, modification, or assignment is effective on or after April 20, 2018. It will remove the responsibility that farmers install sufficient infrastructure for the installation of state funded meters, following EPD's attempt of a meter installation and its determination of insufficient infrastructure. It will authorize EPD staff to undertake maintenance and new meter installation in specific cases. Passed House and Passed Senate Natural Resources & Environment Committee (03/20/2025)
Reps. Burchett, Efstration, Hong, Gambill, and others This bill intends to provide relief for hurricane Helene by exempting federal disaster relief payments for agricultural losses and crop insurance payments for Hurricane Helene received in 2025 from state income tax, providing a tax credit for eligible losses of trees used to produce wood or food at $550 per acre, and exempting building materials used for repairing poultry houses, livestock barns or greenhouses from sales tax. This bill also now includes the language from SB 52, the TREES Act. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/18//2025)
Reps. Townsend, DeLoach, Sainz, Burchett, Hagan and others This bill intends to designate Brunswick stew as the official state stew, the fourth Friday in November of each year as "National Sugarcane Syrup Day" in Georgia, and to prohibit foreign countries of concern from submitting proposals to contract with state agencies for goods or services. Passed House and Passed Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee by Substitute (03/20/2025)
Reps. Camp, Hagan, Gullett, Cameron, New and Others This bill intends to make it unlawful for any person to engage in the transfer of any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit at any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, public or commercial parking lot or sidewalk, park, recreation area, fair, transient or seasonal flea market, or a similar transient market or outdoor location, regardless of whether such activity is otherwise authorized by any person or entity. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/21/2025)
Reps. Jones, Thomas, and Martin This bill would give local governments the ability to adopt ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within 200 yards of an equine facility. Passed House and Passed Senate by Substitute (03/20/2025)
Reps. Efstration, Dickey, Hagan, and Buckner This resolution is the enabling legislation for HB 90 and includes the ballot question for the constitutional amendment which would double the maximum allowed acreage in Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/18/2025)
Reps. Gambill, Hong, McDonald III, Wade, Blackmon, and others This resolution affirms Gov. Kemp's executive order suspending the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. Passed House and Passed Senate (03/20/2025)
Sens. Kirkpatrick, Summers, Payne, Anderson, and Parent This bill would create a loan forgiveness program for veterinarians who practice shelter medicine and veterinarians who practice in nonprofit pet sterilization clinics. It would create the State Veterinary Education Board for Shelter Medicine and Pet Sterilization and establishes the program and qualifications for applicants. The Board would be attached to the Georgia Department of Agriculture for administrative services. Passed Senate and Passed House Higher Education Committee (3/21/2025)
Sens. Dolezal, Kennedy, Gooch, Anavitarte, Robertson, and others This bill intends to streamline bureaucratic practices by creating small business impact analyses that determine economic output that can be requested by legislative leaders and committee chairs. The bill also requires new rules for regulations and oversight, introducing stricter procedures for adopting and repealing rules. It also gives stronger legislative control over regulations by requiring agencies to consider cost-effective alternatives. Finally, it gives emergency rule making limitations giving legislative committees the authority to suspend rules if deemed unnecessary. Passed Senate and Passed House Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee by Substitute (03/20/2025)
Sens. Hatchett, Anavitarte, Gooch, and Robertson This bill is intended to help stop metal theft by tightening the regulations and punishments of theft. Only registered secondary metal recyclers can buy or advertise for used catalytic converters. Anyone possessing, selling, or transporting detached converters must have proper documentation and if the offender does not have proper documentation then each detached converter is a separate offense. Passed Senate and Passed House Regulated Industries Committee by Substitute (03/18/2025)
Sens. Kennedy, Gooch, Robertson, Anavitarte, Walker, and other This bill contains most of Governor Kemp's comprehensive tort reform proposals, including premises liability, seat belt laws, and attorney's fees, among other topics. Passed Senate and Passed House (03/21/2025)
Sens. Anivitarte, Watson, Goodman, Echols, Hatchett and others This bill allows licensed practicing veterinarians to provide consultations using telecommunications. To provide telemedicine the veterinarian must be licensed in Georgia and meet all requirements provided in this bill. Passed Senate and Passed House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee by Substitute (03/20/2025)
Sen. Strickland This resolution commends Rachel Kinsaul for winning the Milken Educator Award. Adopted (03/18/2025)
Sens. Summer, Kennedy, Watson, Goodman, Gooch, and others This resolution honors the life of Mr. Charles M. "Buddy" Leger. Adopted (03/20/2025)
Sens. Anderson, Goodman, Watson, Hatchett, Echols, and others This resolution honors the life of Mr. Abit Massey. Adopted (03/20/2025) |
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To stay updated on all the bills GFB is tracking, check out our newly updated bill tracker under the Action Center on the Georgia Farm Bureau website. There you will be able to find all the bills that we are following, a summary of the bill, the bill sponsors, and the most recent action. Click the button below to be redirected to our bill tracker. |
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Save the Date Southeast Green - June 10-12 |
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Thank you for taking an active role in staying up-to-date and informed on the developments at our State Capitol. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to any of our Public Policy Department Staff and we will be happy to assist you.
Alex Bradford, Director Adam Belflower, State Affairs Manager Raynor Churchwell, Agricultural Programs Manager Renee Jones, Operations Coordinator Amelia Junod, Advocacy and Policy Development Specialist Chase McClure, Governmental Affairs Specialist Ben Parker, National Affairs Coordinator |