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HB 287

Environmental Protection Division; Environmental Advisory Council; update reference date to standards, rules, and regulations

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chas Cannon and 4 co-sponsors

HB 287 updates Georgia's environmental and game regulations, ensuring current standards and providing courtesy licenses for disabled individuals to participate in outdoor activities.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 287

Summary of House Bill 287 (HB 287)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 287 (HB 287) aims to update various provisions within the Official Code of Georgia Annotated related to environmental protection and game and fish regulations. The bill seeks to ensure that the standards, rules, and regulations enforced by the Board of Natural Resources are current, reflecting changes as of January 1, 2025. Additionally, it introduces measures to support paralyzed or disabled individuals in participating in hunting and fishing activities.

Key Provisions

1. Environmental Protection Division Updates

  • Code Section 12-2-2: Updates the reference date for standards, rules, and regulations to January 1, 2025, for establishing criminal violations related to environmental protection.

2. Game and Fish Regulations

  • Title 27 Amendments:
    • Updates the reference date for rules and regulations to January 1, 2025.
    • Introduces courtesy hunting and fishing licenses for paralyzed or disabled individuals participating in organized events, valid for a maximum of seven days.
    • Changes the age requirement for the special turkey hunting season to include individuals aged 16 and younger, as well as mobility-impaired persons.

3. Shellfish Crew Fees

  • Establishes new fee structures for resident shellfish crews:
    • Up to ten harvesters: $200 annually
    • Unlimited harvesters: $400 annually

4. Commercial Fishing Regulations

  • Updates regulations regarding the possession and harvesting of shellfish, requiring a commercial fishing license with a shellfish endorsement.

Affected Parties

  • Environmental Protection Division: The bill impacts how environmental regulations are enforced and updated.
  • Hunters and Fishers: Paralyzed or disabled individuals will benefit from the new courtesy licenses, promoting inclusivity in outdoor activities.
  • Shellfish Harvesters: Changes in fees and regulations will affect commercial shellfish operations and their licensing requirements.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • House Passed: February 24, 2025
  • Senate Passed: March 11, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 13, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Conclusion

HB 287 represents a significant update to Georgia's environmental and game regulations, enhancing accessibility for disabled individuals while ensuring that the state's environmental standards remain current. The bill reflects a commitment to both environmental stewardship and inclusivity in recreational activities.

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

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