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Common-sense solutions for our agriculture industry
burns jon 2015
Rep. Jon Burns

Friends,

As we wrap up the month of July, I have a few more important bills to share with you that have taken effect this month. Agriculture is our state’s #1 industry, and every year the House Republican Caucus prioritizes the Georgians who work so hard to make sure that we all have food on our tables and timber to build our homes. The following bills went into effect on July 1, 2021. These bills will keep our #1 industry growing and strong and provide common-sense solutions for Georgians, even those not directly involved in agriculture.

I was a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 90, which will protect our timber mills from being unfairly sued when they purchase timber from wood dealers. In our modern timber industry, it is important that these timber mills that follow the rules are not subject to being sued just because the original owner of the timber had a lien on their property.

Senate Bill 119, sponsored in the House by Representative Lauren McDonald, creates an exemption for Georgians who may normally be required to secure a burn permit. SB 119 creates this exemption for burning leaf piles, yard debris, or hand-piled natural vegetation unless there is a local ordinance that would prevent it. The bill creates some additional common-sense requirements to ensure the safety of others and their property.

Senate Bill 247, sponsored in the House by Representative Steven Meeks, allows our Agricultural Commodity Commissions to hold public hearings with public comments on commodity marketing orders wholly or partially online. Notices related to marketing orders are required to be published on the Department of Agriculture’s website and in the Farmers Consumers Market Bulletin or other similar publications. 

Senate Bill 260, sponsored in the House by Chairman John Corbett, creates an exception for the rules and regulations that cover soil amendments from forest products.  SB 260 also prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing zoning ordinances that create a buffer or setback related to soil amendments that exceed 100 feet. The bill also requires that each owner and operator of a farm that uses soil amendments to obtain a site-specific nutrient management plan and make the plan available to the Department of Agriculture.

House Bill 355, sponsored by Representative Marcus Wiedower, requires the director of the Georgia Forestry Commission to establish the Sustainable Building Material Technical Advisory Committee. The members of this committee will advise the director of the Georgia Forestry Commission on sustainable building materials and their use in our state. This committee will do important work supporting our state’s continued growth and ensuring that our timber producers are treated fairly.

If you have any feedback, do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), email, or engage on Facebook. If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.


Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly, where he serves as the House majority leader.