RELATING TO THE REDUCED IGNITION PROPENSITY CIGARETTE PROGRAM.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Saiki

HB 143 enhances fire safety by regulating low-ignition cigarettes and establishes guidelines for farmers on water use permits and measuring devices in Georgia.

Carried over to 2024 Regular Session.

#fireprotection #functions #reducedignitionpropensitycigaretteprogramspecialfund #statefirecouncilpackage

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 143 (HB 143) aims to amend provisions related to the Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette Program in Georgia. The bill seeks to enhance fire safety by regulating the manufacturing and sale of cigarettes that are less likely to ignite flammable materials, thereby reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Existing Law: The bill proposes revisions to Chapter 5 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically concerning water resources and the use of water-measuring devices for agricultural purposes.

Permit Issuance:

The bill allows for the issuance of permits for the withdrawal or diversion of surface waters for farm use, provided applicants can demonstrate that their farm use occurred prior to July 1, 1988, and that applications are submitted before July 1, 1991.
For applications submitted after these dates, permits will be subject to evaluation and classification to ensure reasonable use of surface waters.

Long-term Permits:

Permits for farm use in the Flint River basin, applied for after April 20, 2006, will have a term of 25 years and will be automatically renewed unless adverse effects on other water uses are identified.

Water-Measuring Devices:

The bill mandates the installation of water-measuring devices for all permits effective after April 20, 2018, with a one-year timeline for installation following any modifications or transfers of permits.
The division responsible for water resources will develop a priority system for the installation of these devices and may contract out installation services.

Data Collection:

The division will be tasked with measuring farm water use to gather data essential for managing water resources effectively and improving water conservation practices.

Affected Parties

Farmers and Agricultural Producers: The bill directly impacts farmers who rely on surface water for irrigation, as it establishes guidelines for obtaining permits and mandates the use of water-measuring devices.

State Water Management Authorities: The bill places additional responsibilities on state divisions to monitor and manage water usage effectively.

Procedural Aspects

Status: HB 143 has been carried over to the 2024 Regular Session and was introduced on January 28, 2025.

Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone several readings and committee reviews, with a significant focus on its implications for water resource management.

Effective Date: If passed, the provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Related Legislation

Companion Bills: HB 143 is associated with Senate Bills SB 769 and SB 190, which may address similar issues or complement the provisions of this bill.

This summary provides an overview of HB 143, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders involved in agricultural water use and fire safety in Georgia.

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