Bills signed in 2008
                                    

                                   The 2008 Legislative Report

This was a good year for the Georgia Hunting & Fishing Federation (GHFF) and the Georgia sportsmen.The following Bills listed below have passed the legislature and signed into law by Governor Purdue.These Bills will benefit the sportsmen and are supported by the GHFF.

(1)House Bill 301 (provides stiffer penalties for dog fighting).This Bill was sponsored by Representative Bobby Reese (R-98) and Senator Chip Rogers (R-21).  It passed the House with a vote of 163-2,the Senate 44-0.This Bill was signed by the governor on May 6, 2008 with an effective date of May 6,2008.

(2)Senate Bill 16 (Penalty for removing dog collar without owner’s permission).

This Bill started out in the House as HB 927, which was sponsored by Representative Mark Williams (R-178),but we could not get the Chairman of the Game Fish & Parks Committee Representative, Bob Lane (R-158) to call it up for a vote. We asked Senator Greg Goggans (R-7) to sponsor the Bill in the Senate.Senator Goggans agreed, the Bill was designated as SB 520.  It passed the Senate with a vote of 52-0 and went to the House Game Fish & Parks Committee. Again, the Chairman, Bob Lane (R-158) refused to call it for a vote. The GHFF definitely felt the votes were there to pass this Bill in both incidences.The GHFF contacted the Chairman of the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee,David Ralston (R-7) who came to the aid of  our organization and amended Senate Bill 16.This was Senator Chip Rogers (R-21) Bill with our dog collar language.  Senator Rogers agreed to the change and Representative Mark Williams (R-178) carried it in the House and Senator Rogers in the Senate.  After that the only Representative to openly speak against the Bill was the Game Fish and Parks Committee Chairman who did so in the first day it was in the Rules Committee.  The Bill passed the house with a vote of 162-1 and the Senate 45-3.
Governor Purdue signed it on May 12, 2008.

(3 House Bill 239 (Board of Natural Resources, game and fish criminal violations; changed certain provisions). sponsored by Representative Bob Lane (R-178),is a good Bill for landowners,sportsmen,and pet owners.This Bill passed the House with a vote of 113-34 and the Senate 34-13. It became effective on May 13, 2008. The GHFF supported this Bill. 

(4) House Bill 1016 (Blue Crab Fishery) was also sponsored by Representative Bob Lane. This Bill passed the House with a vote of 148-15 and Senate 49-1.  Effective date of May 6, 2008. Representative Bob Lane is again commended for doing a great job in getting this Bill passed.

(5) House Bill 89 (Firearms; carrying and possessions; change provisions). This Bill was sponsored by Representative Tim Bearden (R-68) and Senator Chip Rogers (R-21) with a passing vote of 106-57 in the House and 40-15 in the Senate. Signed by the governor on May 14, 2008 with an effective date of July 1, 2008.

(6) Senate Bill 529 (Rules of the Road; commit the offense of felony hit and run;provide for offense of homicide by vehicle or vessel). Sponsored by Senator Johnny Grant (R-25) with a passing vote of 42-0 in the Senate and 158-1 in the House. Signed by the governor on May 14,2008.

I would like to commend all of the Georgia Hunting & Fishing Federation sportsmen for their devotion and hard work in support of the above listed Bills.A great impact was made by all of you who made calls or emails to your Senators and Representatives.  Thanks to everyone that got involved this year.  Please remember that we must always work as a team for great accomplishments for the GHFF and the rights and privileges of all Georgia sportsmen.


                                                           Respectfully,

                                                           Reggie Dickey
                                                           President, GHFF

 
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