Georgia HB983: Conservation and natural resources; prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; clarify

What the bill says

To amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forest resources, so as to clarify that prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; to revise requirements for prescribed burning; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forest resources, so as to clarify that prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; to revise requirements for prescribed burning; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forest resources, is amended by revising subsection (d) of Code Section 12-6-90, relating to permit required for burning woods, lands, marshes, or other flammable vegetation and exceptions, as follows: "(d) In addition to the notice and permit requirements set forth in this Code section, any county or municipality of this state may, by law or by ordinance, resolution, or regulation, provide additional notice or permit requirements for burning; provided, however, that no such additional requirements shall restrict prescribed burning, as such term is defined in Code Section 12-6-147 The notice or permit required by this Code section shall be in H. B. LC 60 0230/AP addition to any other notice or permit or other requirement for burning provided for by law or by ordinance, …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Russ Goodman (R, 8) · primary sponsor
• Leesa Hagan (R, 156) · primary sponsor
• Cannon, Chas (R, 172)
• Steven Meeks (R, 178)
• James Burchett (R, 176)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Effective Date
2. May 6, 2026: Act 429
3. May 6, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 6, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 16, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
6. March 16, 2026: Senate Third Read
7. February 25, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
8. February 24, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
9. February 17, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
10. February 12, 2026: House Passed/Adopted

Votes

• Senate Vote #724 (March 16, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Vote #509 (February 12, 2026): 162 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB983?

HB983 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Conservation and natural resources; prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; clarify.

What does HB983 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forest resources, so as to clarify that prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; to revise requirements for prescribed burning; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB983?

Signed into law as of May 6, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB983?

Russ Goodman (R, 8), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB983?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72243