Gov. Kemp signs public safety, Hurricane Helene relief bills today
Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia, speaks during a news conference at a mass covid-19 vaccination site at the Delta Flight Museum in Hapeville, Georgia, U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2021. (Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills into law this week aimed at strengthening Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries while providing relief to those still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, and members of the General Assembly, Kemp signed the legislation during a ceremony focused on rebuilding and resilience.
What they're saying:
"Our farmers and foresters are tough people," Kemp said during the signing. "Their commitment to moving forward after all they’ve faced is an inspiration to us all. There is still more work to be done, but I’m proud to sign these bills and deliver on our promises to the men and women who are the backbone of our state."
What we know:
One of the bills, House Bill 223, was a legislative priority for Kemp and received widespread support across both chambers. The bill exempts federal crop loss and disaster payments from state income tax, offers a new reforestation tax credit to encourage replanting, and allows local governments to temporarily suspend timber harvest taxes to help landowners with storm cleanup. It also temporarily expands the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) program to cover materials for repairing poultry houses, greenhouses, and other agricultural structures.
In addition to HB 223, Kemp also signed:
- Senate Bill 201, which strengthens consumer protections when entering into repair or reconstruction contracts following natural disasters.
- House Bill 143, which transfers responsibility for agricultural water meter installation and maintenance from farmers back to the state, reducing the burden on producers.
The governor credited the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and a host of lawmakers and agency leaders for moving the legislation forward. The new laws are seen as a significant step in aiding recovery and ensuring long-term resilience in Georgia’s agricultural communities.