Bill > HB413

This bill amends Georgia's agricultural law to specifically protect the operation of mobile sawmills on agricultural land by preventing local governments from creating ordinances that would prohibit or restrict such activities. The bill defines "agricultural land" as property capable of producing agricultural crops, timber, livestock, poultry, dairy products, or fruit, and defines a "mobile sawmill" as a portable, engine-powered sawing machine that can be transported between sites and used to turn logs into lumber. Under this legislation, local governments cannot create rules that prevent mobile sawmills from operating on agricultural land, even if the sawmill is processing timber from properties other than the one it is located on. Additionally, the bill clarifies that all waste produced by sawmills (such as sawdust, bark, and slab materials) and lumber produced by mobile sawmills (whether green, kiln-dried, or surfaced) shall be considered agricultural products. The bill preserves local governments' ability to make zoning decisions and does not impair existing regulations regarding land application of human waste, representing a targeted expansion of agricultural operators' rights to process timber on their land.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70254