Bill > HB145

This bill amends Georgia state law to change the official state floral emblem from the Cherokee rose to the sweetbay magnolia (scientifically known as Magnolia virginiana). By updating Code Section 50-3-53 in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the legislation replaces the previous state flower with the sweetbay magnolia, which is a native tree species found in the southeastern United States. The bill follows standard legislative procedure by including a clause that repeals any existing laws that might conflict with this change. While the bill does not provide extensive rationale for the switch, it represents a straightforward update to the state's symbolic representation, reflecting potential cultural, botanical, or historical considerations that prompted the selection of the sweetbay magnolia as Georgia's new floral emblem.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69567