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GA HB966

GA HB966
Conservation and natural resources; regulate the harvest and sale of palmetto berries


summary

Introduced
02/20/2020
In Committee
06/17/2020
Crossed Over
03/03/2020
Passed
07/02/2020
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
08/05/2020

Introduced Session

2019-2020 Regular Session

Bill Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 6 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forest resources and other plant life, so as to regulate the harvest and sale of palmetto berries; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for certificates of harvest; to provide for records of harvest activities and purchase transactions; to provide for prohibited acts; to provide for stop sale, stop use, and removal orders; to provide for seizure of berries; to provide for home or personal use of berries; to provide for penalties and restitution; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill amends Georgia's laws to regulate the harvest and sale of palmetto berries. It defines key terms like "harvest," "landowner," and "saw palmetto berry dealer." The bill requires sellers to obtain a certificate of harvest from the landowner and dealers to obtain a landowner's certificate before purchasing berries. It mandates record-keeping of harvesting activities and purchase transactions. The bill also empowers the state to issue stop-sale orders and seize berries if the law is violated. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of the berries involved. The bill is intended to protect landowners from trespassing and unauthorized harvesting of this economically significant natural resource.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Effective Date (on 08/05/2020)

bill text


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