HB 1303 amends Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 to convert an agricultural pilot program into a permanent education program. Representative Dickey mentioned that the pilot has had tremendous success and is working to combat food deserts while educating kids about STEM and agriculture. Representative Dickey noted that a replacement proposed change in line 29 is changed from “shall” to “may”.
Sen. Kim Jackson (D-Stone Mountain) inquired about the change made to line 29 regarding the hiring of an agriculture teacher. She further asked how many teachers Georgia needs to adequately teach students in agricultural education. MP Dickey noted that many of the teachers were in the senior grades and often take time off during the day to go to elementary school. Senator Tyler Harper intervened, noting that many of the schools were passing agricultural curriculum to their colleges of education. He added that he didn’t bother to meet that requirement.
Senator Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown) was curious as to what the youngest class would be to begin this curriculum. Representative Dickey mentioned that this is for K-5s in elementary schools and schools would make the final decision. Joel Mackey of the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association noted that many of the teachers were in middle and high schools, as Congressman Dickey noted. Mr. Mackey added that certified elementary school teachers would only need nine additional certification hours for agricultural certification.
A DO PASS motion was made, and the bill passed unanimously, moving to Senate rules. It is worn by Senator Max Burns (R-Sylvania).
HB 1150, also known as the Freedom to Farm Act, amends Code Section 41-1-7 of the OCGA. The measure seeks to change Georgia’s agricultural harassment laws. It removes the definitions of agricultural land, altered state, and urban sprawl.
Senator Kim Jackson asked a hypothetical question about a farm that already exists and a new neighbor is moving in. You cannot file a lawsuit against the current farmer. The second hypothesis was if she was not a farmer and there was no problem with the neighboring farm in the first year, but she became a nuisance in the second year. Would the neighbor from before the date be able to sue? Rep. Dickey wasn’t sure and felt it would be different the first year or the second. Senator Jackson mentioned that she had chickens and that the first year and second year are different which accumulates. Senator Jacksons is concerned about this. Chairman Walker referred these questions to the Legislative Counsel.
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville) asked if there could be an example of a small family business that this bill would help. Rep. Dickey mentioned that this is done through intimidation tactics and that a friend in his district is going through this.
Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D-Albany) asked how many harassment complaints had taken place in the state, citing her experience of complaints coming from family farmers and non-farmers alike. MP Dickey felt that this is an ongoing issue that people are not debating.
Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) asked if the intent of this bill was to invest in farm stability so we can keep up with the world’s food needs. MP Dickey noted that this was the case.
Noting that the current law has not been changed in a year, Senator Max Burns welcomed the spin-off for CAFOs and addressed the definition of inappropriate. Representative Dickey felt local laws and rules and regulations would provide the correct definitions and felt locals would know better.
Sen. Carden Summers (R-Cordele) wanted to make sure farmers got more protections. MP Dickey replied firmly that this did not bring more protection but clarity.
Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) wanted to clarify how the laws should protect neighborhood farmers from coming into the city who have been there for a year. He noted that the definition is being removed and is concerned about the changed conditional language, which has been misinterpreted in other states. He also stated that the farmer must act lawfully. All points scored, Rep Dickey agreed.
Senator Kim Jackson noted that the author had frequently mentioned that farmers were being taken to court and asked if that would help, as it did not prohibit a frivolous lawsuit in her reading. MP Dickey noted that this was explicit but felt it would be a major deterrent. Senator Jackson noted that the time clock has traditionally been tied to the nuisance occurring, not the start of the activity. The senator wondered if the author would be receptive to the change. MP Dickey expressed concern it would take too long, which had been a problem in the past.
Senator Tyler Harper (R-Ocilla) reported on previous legislation and amendments passed by the Senate.
Chairman Walker noted that this was just a hearing on the measure and no committee action had been taken. Public testimony will be allowed at the next meeting.
