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HB 432

EDUCATION-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 432 requires Georgia hunters aged 16+ to obtain a free turkey permit and allows non-residents to pay $100, enhancing wildlife management and conservation.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 432

Summary of House Bill 432: Georgia Turkey Stamps

Bill Number: HB 432
Title: Game and fish; Georgia turkey stamps; provide
Status: Senate Read Second Time
Introduced: February 12, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 432 aims to establish a regulatory framework for hunting turkeys in Georgia by introducing a Georgia turkey permit and a collectible turkey stamp. The bill seeks to enhance wildlife management and conservation efforts while providing a structured approach to turkey hunting in the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Georgia Turkey Permit:

    • Effective July 1, 2026, individuals aged 16 and older must possess a Georgia turkey permit to hunt turkeys in Georgia.
    • Cost:
      • Residents: Free of charge.
      • Non-residents: $100.00.

  2. Georgia Turkey Stamp:

    • The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will design and sell a collectible turkey stamp by July 1, 2026.
    • Purchase of the stamp is voluntary and not required to hunt turkeys.

  3. Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • The bill amends various sections of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically:
      • Code Section 27-2-3: Clarifies the effective periods for hunting licenses.
      • Code Section 27-2-6: Introduces the new turkey permit and stamp requirements.
      • Code Section 27-2-23: Establishes the fees for the turkey permits.

  4. Fee Collection:

    • All fees collected from the turkey permits and stamps will be retained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

  5. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with its enactment.

Impact

  • Hunters: The bill primarily affects individuals who hunt turkeys in Georgia, requiring them to obtain a permit and potentially purchase a stamp.
  • Wildlife Management: The introduction of a permit and stamp system is intended to support wildlife conservation efforts and manage turkey populations more effectively.
  • Revenue Generation: The fees from non-resident permits and collectible stamps may provide additional funding for wildlife management programs in Georgia.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: Bill introduced in the House.
  • February 27, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • March 4, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.
  • March 6, 2025: Read and referred in the Senate.
  • March 20, 2025: Favorably reported by the Senate Committee.
  • March 21, 2025: Read a second time in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 432, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on turkey hunting regulations in Georgia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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