Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia SR480: Georgia Forests; acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle; recognize
Status: Passed both chambers, February 26, 2026
A RESOLUTION recognizing the acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle, particularly in the western region of this state, and encouraging all Georgia landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
A resolution Recognizing the acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle, particularly in the western region of this state, and encouraging all Georgia landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest; and for other purposes.
From the introduced text:
A RESOLUTION Recognizing the acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle, particularly in the western region of this state, and encouraging all Georgia landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, forestry is a vital economic driver for the State of Georgia, contributing more than $41 billion annually to the state's economy and supporting thousands of jobs in rural communities; and WHEREAS, Georgia's forests, particularly those that are properly managed, provide essential ecological, economic, and recreational benefits, including clean air and water, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitats, and raw materials for a variety of industries; and WHEREAS, the southern pine beetle (dendroctonus frontalis) is a destructive native pest affecting pine forests in the southeastern United States, including Georgia; and WHEREAS, southern pine beetle infestations can cause significant tree mortality, leading to economic losses for landowners, increased wildfire risk, and reduced forest health and productivity; and S. R. LC 60 0160 WHEREAS, the western region of Georgia is currently experiencing a heightened outbreak of the southern pine beetle, resulting in extensive damage to pine stands and threatening the sustainability of the state's forest resources; and WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has provided critical guidance and resources to landowners to implement sound forestry …
Sponsors
- Matt Brass (R, 6) · primary sponsor
- Randy Robertson (R, 29)
- Jason Anavitarte (R, 31)
- Russ Goodman (R, 8)
- Steve Gooch (R, 51)
- John Kennedy (R, 18)
Latest actions
- : Senate Passed/Adopted
- : Senate Read Second Time
- : Senate Committee Favorably Reported
- : Senate Read and Referred
- : Senate Hopper
Common questions
- What is SR480?
- SR480 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Georgia Forests; acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle; recognize.
- What does SR480 do?
- In its own words: A resolution Recognizing the acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle, particularly in the western region of this state, and encouraging all Georgia landowners to follow guidance by the Georgia Forestry Commission to mitigate the spread of this destructive pest; and for other purposes.
- What is the status of SR480?
- Passed both chambers as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senate Passed/Adopted (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SR480?
- Matt Brass (R, 6), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SR480?
- On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71723
Source: official Georgia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.