AG TAX EXEMPTIONS (GATE):
Conversations on HB 911 consumed much of our week as we worked to eliminate language in the bill that would place a laundry list of mandates on retailers. We hoped to see the Senate Finance Committee make changes this week, but with the session nearly over, the committee passed the bill without resolving our objections.We now must wait until Monday to see if senators take action to put it on the Senate floor for a vote. Please contact Senators – any and all of them to let them know ag retailers do not need to be saddled with more regulations. It is important that you make these contacts as soon as possible. Click here to listen to our comments on Southeast AgNet regarding this issue.
As a reminder, here’s a list of mandates that would be 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. Retailers must police GATE card use by notifying the Commissioner of Agriculture if an attempt is made to use the GATE card unlawfully.

Other items in the bill include: setting the threshold to qualify at $5000, 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 $105.

WATER RIGHTS & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: The House passed HR 1343 on Wednesday. House Ag Committee Chairman Tom McCall expressed his disappointment with EPA and their land-grabbing regulations as he asked the House to support his resolution. The resolution passed with a vote of 149 – 21 . Senator John Wilkinson has an identical resolution, SR 1018 , in the Senate and we hope to see it pass next week. These resolutions send a strong statement about the negative impacts of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) regulations put out by the EPA. The agriculture community has been very vocal in opposition to WOTUS regulations and we appreciate Chairmen McCall & Wilkinson for leading these efforts to push back on the federal government. 

SEED LAW:

Rep. Sam Watson navigated HB 1030 through the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday. Senators John Wilkinson and Ellis Black have been very helpful in shaping the final language as it came through committee. This bill would improve current requirements for those appointed to the Georgia Seed Commission , broadening the scope of those who are eligible to include licensees and/or those involved in production, conditioning, or marketing of seed, crops turfgrass, or horticultural plants are eligible. This is a great program that helps generate funds for the UGA Research Foundation for reinvestment in new plant varieties. We expect it to pass the Senate next week.

FARM USE VEHICLES:

HB 579 by Rep . Tom McCall , passed the Senate on Wednesday. Because of a slight change in the bill, it has to go back to the House for final approval. This bill allows for golf carts, four wheelers, and other off road vehicles to be used on roads if using them for agricultural or forestry pursuits. These vehicles would have to be outfitted with a “slow moving vehicle” emblem. This one is very close to the finish line. 

LIVESTOCK DEALER SURETY REQUIREMENTS: 

HB 876 passed the Senate Wednesday and would pave the way to improved licensing for livestock dealers. Changes to the bill require it to go back to the House next week for approval. This bill would establish a three year livestock market operator license with a fee not to exceed $200. The annual fee for a livestock dealer license would be no more than $25.00. The bill puts in place “surety” (bond) requirement to aid in the prevention of nonpayment or contract purchase failure by a licensed livestock market operator or a livestock dealer. We appreciate the work of Rep. Clay Pirkle to improve this bill as it has moved forward. We hope to see it cross the finish line next week. 

UAVs (DRONES):
HB 779 by Rep. Kevin Tanner cleared the Senate on Wednesday. The bill received a few changes as it moved through the Senate so it must now go back to the House for approval. Changes to the bill include a “drone commission” formed by appointees from the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House. The appointees of the commission include Senate and House members, representatives from GEMA, GBI, and the Georgia National Guard among others.  The bill still only addresses uses of drones by law enforcement and other state agencies and does not specifically address agriculture. It should be landing on the Governor’s desk very soon.

  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!