ATLANTA ~ In a show of support for Georgia's agriculture and forestry industry, Governor Brian P. Kemp, along with First Lady Marty Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo, constitutional officers, and members of the Georgia General Assembly, gathered in Atlanta to sign three pieces of legislation. These bills aim to provide relief to farmers and timber producers who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Kemp expressed his admiration for the resilience of the state's farmers and foresters. He stated, "Our farmers and foresters are tough people. Their commitment to moving forward after all they've faced is an inspiration to us all." He also acknowledged that there is still more work to be done but was proud to deliver on his promises to those who are the backbone of Georgia's economy.

One of the key pieces of legislation signed by Governor Kemp was HB 223. This bill was a priority for the governor and was championed by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner Tyler Harper, Representative Chuck Efstration, and Committee Chairmen Shaw Blackmon, Chuck Hufstetler, Matt Hatchett, and Blake Tillery. It exempts federal crop loss payments and disaster payments from state income tax and establishes a reforestation tax credit to assist timber producers in recovering from the storm. Additionally, it allows local governments to temporarily suspend their collection of harvest tax on timber producers to aid in cleanup efforts. The bill also provides a temporary addition to the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) for building materials used in repairing or rebuilding poultry houses, livestock facilities, greenhouses, and other agricultural structures.

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Along with HB 223, Governor Kemp also signed SB 201 and HB 143 into law. SB 201 was sponsored by Senator Larry Walker and carried in the House by Representative Leesa Hagan. This bill aims to provide increased protection for consumers when entering into contracts with contractors following natural disasters. HB 143, sponsored by Representative Robert Dickey and carried in the Senate by Senator Sam Watson, shifts the burden of agricultural water metering equipment installation and maintenance from farmers back to the state. Both of these bills were championed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Governor Kemp expressed his gratitude to all those who worked diligently to make these bills a reality. He stated, "I'm also grateful for the dedicated efforts of all of our partners in the General Assembly whose steadfast leadership and determination helped make today possible." With these new laws in place, Governor Kemp hopes to continue supporting Georgia's agriculture and forestry industry and helping those impacted by natural disasters.

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