[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6313086,"mediaKeyId","2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628","parentId",2389531,"title","Georgia Association of Conservation Districts outlines master farmer program and feral hog control plans at committee meeting","audioSeconds",51,"startMs",975000,"endMs",1026000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628&start=975&end=1026","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628/thumbnail_975000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6313086/Georgia/Georgia-Association-of-Conservation-Districts-outlines-master-farmer-program-and-feral-hog-control-plans-at-committee-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313086-9e53557c3cdeb909ed28cb12ac4c4ea1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174558&Signature=ksXDh936oPXS53gi5FpSaIxA0J9qcsp2nYo3mDVsrj5vWuC109PoMHVsJiw5lfSBVM8JLseNYDyHdngdsWkEvu9em8Iv~JhsxAAmi3oRAiltb9m2d8SRjha5yMrQyxcjZcVyuNurJMi8dZJjoJ6PGiJuCQccKPJjBTVXHZ7lXhKaWrOSSpRSNrtpgNQdA5CCFa0z7Ie4lu6Olm670yAa227z9gzTBOWRtCvCqv2Niiq6zra7DhFNKFXmXhInYmtUR6F-r6srQhpEZrrn0AJNasAfMK0gGck9rArduMzZ72mNBCrocgQe7DRj9gXQk47hMdUJrAcxHxABLj-mJi5IQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Georgia State Legislature","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts addressed the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee to describe its work representing the state's 40 soil and water conservation districts and to outline two advocacy priorities: creating a master farmer program and enhancing a conservation district feral hog control program.

Katie Sponberger, executive director of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, said the association is a nonprofit representing district supervisors across the state who work to conserve local natural resources. Sponberger said the group has partnered with Will Bentley and Jake Tinch of the Georgia Agribusiness Council on advocacy and hopes to implement a master farmer program and expand feral hog control efforts.

Committee members thanked the association for its statewide role in conservation and encouraged further engagement. The committee’s recognition of visiting supervisors and district leadership was largely ceremonial, but members said they view the districts as important partners for rural and urban conservation work.

Sponberger invited committee members to speak with district supervisors about the association’s programs and asked for legislative support as the group refines program proposals.

The transcript records this as a presentation and recognition; no formal committee action or vote was taken on the association’s proposals during the session recorded in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02.25.2025 Agriculture & Consumer Affairs","oneSentenceSummary","Leaders of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts introduced their organization and urged committee members to support a proposed master farmer program and enhancements to a feral hog control effort.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Georgia , Georgia","taxId",77688,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313091,"First hearing held on HB529 to require consumer contracts to offer termination at end of initial term",952,1426000,2378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628&start=1426&end=2378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628/thumbnail_1426000.jpg","/articles/6313091/Georgia/First-hearing-held-on-HB529-to-require-consumer-contracts-to-offer-termination-at-end-of-initial-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313091-059c1c08570f34aba591e0aeaa773a08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174558&Signature=cGmO9L6HuWgHbl20S5lHRT-srRjFonjcvk8m3fl55AhTf2pBkEBcjAX0bCBlSSzNnirqqnXYF~A~OR3fuogxRtCNF8Cfl7sJpygRs7WPzDejGYBEvvbtIXKl0K9FaHmDQZqNIvTlfDmkMZEcy2ogJR3Qwv2POT6~C1WTaZxUzm2BD8G1NX756IQAIAZwD0gJOH5Rm4gY93h-ZOfzvbri-146ADf4SYvS6lXRZs5RWyX44jCPUQu3NX8Jhm0aHAP0DgXHdfcs8nLp7txz-fYtl2KoE60-Z3Qh0Wy9M0SVl7F1jHDAl5HGxcXcjGxkjD5yJrImWKjaw9OixERkWdvX7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 529 received a first hearing in the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. Sponsor Representative Barrett said the bill would give consumers the option to have a contract terminate after an initial term instead of automatically renewing, shifting the onus for renewal choices to sellers rather than buyers.

Barrett described consumer experiences in which subscription prices rose dramatically on automatic renewal and recounts of services that are difficult to cancel because of opaque website flows or unavailable customer‑service options. Barrett said the bill would allow consumers to choose termination at the end of an initial period; those who prefer automatic renewal could still elect that option.

Committee members praised the proposal but raised implementation questions. Representative Tyler asked whether automatic termination could change consumers’ access to the same terms on resubscription; Barrett replied consumers could keep automatic renewal if they prefer and that the bill creates an additional consumer option.

Members expressed concern for seniors and consumers without smartphones or reliable internet access; Representative Willis and others urged that enforcement and consumer options account for people who cannot rely on pop‑up opt‑ins or online cancellation flows. Representative Cox asked whether the bill includes remedies or penalties for companies that make cancellation difficult; Representative Barrett said he had not yet consulted the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement mechanics but welcomed that follow-up.

Barrett said the bill builds on prior consumer‑protection legislation sponsored by a former chairman and that the committee should refine language through stakeholder feedback. The hearing concluded as a discussion-only session; the committee did not take a final vote on HB529 during the transcripted meeting.","Representative Barrett opened the first hearing on HB529, a consumer-protection bill that would allow consumers to have contracts terminate at the end of an initial term rather than automatically renewing; committee members raised questions about enforcement and protections for seniors and customers without internet access.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313094,"Committee advances bill to increase penalties for unlicensed animal sales at pop‑up venues",296,1053000,1349000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628&start=1053&end=1349","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628/thumbnail_1053000.jpg","/articles/6313094/Georgia/Committee-advances-bill-to-increase-penalties-for-unlicensed-animal-sales-at-popup-venues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313094-a7a11a2b12fee69f5ec09ead35b23591/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174558&Signature=YIkpEznpNk8CuYzck9U1lu1RhOerXNSP-AVuqDHvfT9KcD3JJQctmHD63dKNrPY64pid7CH6RKsFYBkHH6lO3I8zb2zc7OuNBeKuYMY3vsK5J0uZW6mYuQW6DnYiHNIFuPX3JjiUbV001uRvNvHhGxojhMYyE2CYQWuC6217vZLgohzPGrPlZrkGJOM4h-L-f2ndRomP2wFz2wB-aoOQdbcn9Ex09Z8ldrMrIw2XNrZu4GbAJ41if9PyN0eRwZT0DBXv5zk79sK5RtRdwQt~LNzKgsolsS6uZ5PoCnZKv4cjhW9v52vgE4tGpecRso7-TGjukzPXxRQ5Kn0yFWQJbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee heard and advanced HB331, a measure aimed at cracking down on unlicensed or itinerant animal sales at parking lots, flea markets and roadside locations.

Sponsor Katie (first name in transcript only) — identified in the transcript as the presenter of HB331 and described as an advocate for the bill — said the bill removes language that had limited fines for repeat offenses occurring within a single day. The change means sellers operating without a license could face escalating penalties for multiple offenses rather than a single low fine.

The sponsor said the bill does not affect licensed breeders, veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, or recognized events (for example, FFA, 4‑H or national breed association events). Instead, it targets unlicensed, transient sellers who offer animals without traceability or consumer protections. The sponsor said such sales can leave buyers without recourse if animals are sick or misrepresented and contribute to animals being surrendered to shelters.

Committee members supporting the bill cited concerns about irresponsible breeding, overcrowded animal shelters, and organized rings that sell animals “below the radar.” Representative Hagan and others praised the bill as a step toward reducing irresponsible commercial activity and protecting both consumers and animals.

A motion to “do pass” was made and the committee approved the bill. The transcript records the committee’s affirmative voice vote; it does not include a roll‑call tally or names of members who voted for or against the motion.

The transcript does not record formal opposition or detailed agency enforcement plans; a committee member suggested the Department of Agriculture would be expected to enforce licensing rules and penalties.","HB331, which would remove a prior provision limiting fines for certain animal‑selling offenses and broaden enforcement for unlicensed sales, was presented and advanced by committee members who said it targets roadside and parking‑lot sellers and seeks to protect consumers and animals.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313099,"Committee designates portable sawmill operation an agricultural practice in HB413",390,521000,911000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628&start=521&end=911","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628/thumbnail_521000.jpg","/articles/6313099/Georgia/Committee-designates-portable-sawmill-operation-an-agricultural-practice-in-HB413","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313099-c293e96f1c4bfc6de376e989f3fef5f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174558&Signature=QxAKiG9k6iGA9gY3Zqh0f6uRWrwJAyPR46NXtbeu~hYB3mk6PMabXvGr5oOiLog3~4N3e4V3NlGNjkd97p7KIC1Jqk57DhIgL1oHw3NVdqasHiB1AIXAokFxn0HuATyH~uC-CllWWSdjFZJihFG5TAhno6bYxdFGTUgfySkKZoyPe5aQpKtvW6ZdGM0~B8ZmXqjYOvu19yTFHr5ofDKM6f3XsiXp8FhIW5jBJ5nJGWBicckJ7lj1J83MtnrwP3-C9Zyra4Vs2pMG~hzunj3lqDkqUfcjUJv8dH23KQDSQ6XHNBUVjm90NIxfDBPWQmMVsDM4gG0np8PV9-qr53VMqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on committee day voted to advance HB413, which amends Chapter 1, Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia to designate portable (mobile) sawmills operating on agricultural land as an agricultural practice.

Sponsor Representative David Jenkins told the committee the bill clarifies that portable sawmills and the byproducts they generate are agricultural products and therefore not subject to local regulation of crop management or animal husbandry practices. Jenkins also emphasized that the bill does not affect local zoning authority: the statutory language explicitly preserves the power of local governments to adopt or enforce zoning ordinances.

Jenkins said much of the wood processed by portable sawmills comes from storm damage, clearing for construction, or other sources that would otherwise be discarded, burned, or landfilled. He described portable sawmill activity as a revenue stream many small farms rely on to remain economically viable.

A committee member asked whether waste from larger commercial mills would be treated the same; Jenkins and others said scale and developed supply chains make commercial operations materially different, and local outcomes for commercial mill byproducts vary (composting, power-plant fuel, etc.).

A motion to “do pass” HB413 was seconded and the committee approved the bill by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and verbal approval but does not include a roll-call vote.

The sponsor and committee framed the bill as protecting small farmers’ multiple income streams and recognizing portable sawmilling as part of agricultural practice; no formal opposition was recorded in the provided transcript.","The committee approved HB413 to add portable sawmills operating on agricultural land to the Official Code of Georgia’s definition of agricultural practices; sponsors said the change protects small farmers’ income streams and clarifies local regulatory limits.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6313104,"Committee approves moving Center for Rural Prosperity from USG to Department of Agriculture",220,245000,465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628&start=245&end=465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2389531-e5b926f5a9b399f3b3f3261cabdc5628/thumbnail_245000.jpg","/articles/6313104/Georgia/Committee-approves-moving-Center-for-Rural-Prosperity-from-USG-to-Department-of-Agriculture","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6313104-4fe346661fe2bb53b7d9ed50b8958f51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174558&Signature=AJuIPT1jiYi0CFk6YyFOV6IOQiqowmvI474BT2uMO3ccd3BnBkJLDbqcoKaAMXKUv7e-fvN8R6g8S3Ngzse4tLJhrit1yqgMGISQzpS1xuOjGLl1mQgXIopfzxC6TBhMRjP14davfJG-mNxMeJdHSY5jYVkuPQ9NMIFZfI1esyYN-2rYhz8LJZlAiw-IB66VevgbMqXvfg8cnU7i~O~oYQqurh89saEk6kkexvwOGoQ0D96z0Ng~1c2-fr5uqn1B6wITo5ZPrpM4buPh2tpsIj0QtBsstk5oKcl90cg3nkMzHmgTf1qx2hnWLA3qP62dYlS5AxPg-Yn9--5UVDs0pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on committee day moved forward HB495, a bill to transfer the Center for Rural Prosperity from the University System of Georgia (ABAC) to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The measure would place the Center for Rural Prosperity under the Department of Agriculture’s oversight while keeping the center’s existing programs and funding in place. Committee members said the center provides technical assistance and development support to small, rural communities across Georgia.

Catherine Russell, director of policy at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, told the committee the department supports the bill and “look[s] forward to supporting the agriculture community moving forward with this new task.” The sponsor said the change mostly adjusts administrative placement and some wording but does not alter the center’s mission.

A committee member moved that the bill “do pass.” Committee leadership called for the vote by voice and recorded an affirmative outcome. The transcript does not include a recorded roll-call tally in the committee minutes.

Supporters said housing the center in the Department of Agriculture will better align the center’s work with state agricultural outreach and make its services more accessible to rural communities. No formal opposition comments were recorded during the committee discussion.

The committee’s action advances HB495 to the next step in the legislative process; the transcript does not record the bill’s final passage by the full House.

The committee also recognized visitors from conservation and extension organizations during the same meeting.","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee voted to advance HB495, which transfers the Center for Rural Prosperity from the University System of Georgia (ABAC) to the Georgia Department of Agriculture and preserves its funding and programming.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts outlines master farmer program and feral hog control plans at committee meeting

First hearing held on HB529 to require consumer contracts to offer termination at end of initial term

Committee advances bill to increase penalties for unlicensed animal sales at pop‑up venues

Committee designates portable sawmill operation an agricultural practice in HB413

Committee approves moving Center for Rural Prosperity from USG to Department of Agriculture