COMPLETED

TAX FILING COMPLIANCE FIX:

This is one of just a few bills that have actually made it to the finish line. Governor Deal signed this bill into law on Feb. 23…just in time for tax filings.  We appreciate Rep. David Knight leading HB 742 through the legislative process, giving Georgia the necessary state language to take advantage of the Section 179 expense deductions passed by Congress in late December. 

2016 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET: 

Adjustments to the FY 2016 amended budget were largely focused on transportation dollars that are dedicated to road and bridge projects. The taxes collected by the transportation bill that passed last year have provided a big boost to road improvement and repair projects all across the state. The House and Senate finished their work quickly and it was signed into law by Governor Deal on Feb. 17.  Click here to see the complete tracking document 

STILL IN PLAY

AG TAX EXEMPTIONS (GATE):
HB 911 has undergone several revisions from its original form. This bill by Rep. Geoff Duncan currently has the revenue threshold to qualify set at $7500, requires the use of a tax identification number, keeps the administration and oversight of the card at the Dept. of Agriculture, and provides for a three-year GATE card at a cost of $150. There is broad support for these changes, but many concerns remain regarding these mandates placed on retailers:
1. All GATE items sold must be denoted as sales tax exempt on the receipt.
2. The retailer must maintain copies of receipts.
3. The GATE card holder name and certificate number must be listed on each receipt by the retailer. 
4. The retailer must verify the validity of the GATE card at least once a year.
5. Any invalid cards detected by the retailer must be reported to the Dept of Ag of Agriculture. 
We recognize that these requirements can be burdensome to retailers and we are working to have them changed or removed from the bill. The Senate Finance Committee will begin work on the bill in the weeks ahead. Please contact these committee members with your comments/concerns. We also encourage you to call or email Senate Members to express your concerns. Your input is appreciated.

SEED LAW:
Rep. Sam Watson introduced HB 1030, which favorably alters requirements to be appointed to the Georgia Seed Commission. It makes sense to broaden the scope of those who are eligible to be appointed so that those involved production, conditioning, or marketing of seed, turf grass, or horticultural plants are eligible.  It is now is awaiting action in the Senate Agriculture Committee. 

WATER RIGHTS & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: We expect HR 1343 and SR 1018 to start making real progress next week. Each sends a strong statement about the negative impacts of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) regulations put out by the EPA. 

FARM USE VEHICLES:

HB 579 by House Ag Chairman Tom McCall , would allow for golf carts, four wheelers, and other off road vehicles to be used on roads if using them for agricultural or forestry pursuits.  Vehicles will have to be outfitted with a “slow moving vehicle” emblem. It is assigned to the Senate Ag Committee and will likely get a hearing next week.

LIVESTOCK DEALER SURETY REQUIREMENTS:

The purpose of HB 876 is to pave the way to improved licensing for livestock dealers to help prevent theft. This bill by Rep. Clay Pirkle establishes a clear definition of who should be licensed as a livestock dealer and includes the necessary exemptions. The fee has a maximum of $200 per year, but we could see the license renewal set at three years, which would greatly decrease cost. As is common in several areas of agricultural commerce, this bill puts in place “surety” (bond) requirements to aid in the prevention of nonpayment or contract purchase failure by a licensed livestock market operator or a livestock dealer. It awaits action in the Senate Ag Committee.

UAVs (DRONES):

HB 779 , which at first set out to regulate all uses of drones, has now narrowed its scope to use of UAVs for law enforcement and state agencies. This bill by Rep. Kevin Tanner also maintains language regarding the unlawful uses of drones, such as such as flying over public roads and highways.  There are no specific references to agriculture in the bill. It has passed the House and is waiting to be assigned to committee in the Senate. 

2017 BUDGET:

The FY 2017 budget passed the House three weeks ago and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill has been focused on it ever since. We expect to see the results of their work next week. We feel good about many of the items remaining in the budget, but this process still has a long way to go. Legislators have heard from many of you about concerns regarding funding and services of the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC). Thank you for reaching out. In addition, HB 1084 that would change Georgia law with regard to GSWCC having these responsibilities, passed the House last week and has been assigned to the Senate Ag Committee.  

  Special thanks to our Star Sponsors listed below. We welcome having GAC member companies be a part of this initiative. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or  click here for details . Thank you!