summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Department of Community Affairs, so as to require such department to compile a list of state owned real property that may be used for community gardens; to provide for the establishment and maintenance of community gardens in certain municipalities; to provide requirements for such community gardens; to provide for funding of such community gardens by the municipality; to authorize the lease or other availability of state owned real property for use as community gardens; to provide for construction; to require cooperation from state agencies; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Georgia Urban Sustainable Gardens Act, aims to increase access to fresh produce and green spaces in urban areas by establishing community gardens. It requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to identify and list suitable state-owned real property that can be used for these gardens by December 31, 2026. By December 31, 2027, municipalities with a population of 25,000 or more must establish at least one community garden on available state-owned land, or potentially on their own land, provided it meets suitability criteria. These gardens must be accessible to residents, operate in coordination with the state park system and non-profit organizations, and offer individual plots for growing food, herbs, or flowers at no cost to residents, with allocation based on municipal criteria. Municipalities will be responsible for funding these gardens through their own appropriations or other available sources, and state agencies are required to cooperate with the DCA and municipalities in this effort. The State Properties Commission is authorized to lease or otherwise make state-owned property available for these community gardens.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72769 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/241304 |
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