Bill > SB511

This bill, known as the "Georgia River Heritage Act," clarifies that while landowners have exclusive possession of nonnavigable streams on their property, similar to other parts of their land, citizens of Georgia have an inherent right to use these streams for passage. This right is specifically limited to using shallow draft motorized recreational vessels, canoes, kayaks, rafts, or tubes, and only when the stream is naturally deep enough to support them. The bill also explicitly states that this right of passage does not permit entry onto adjacent private land. The General Assembly has found that it cannot interfere with a landowner's lawful use of a nonnavigable stream, except to prevent nuisances, but it has also recognized this common law right of passage for citizens.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73235