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GeorgiaHB 12662025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Watercraft; use of certain motors on vessels being operated on the Ogeechee River; repeal a provision

Sponsored By: Steven Meeks (Republican), Trey Rhodes (Republican), Jason Ridley (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Game, Fish & ParksNatural Resources and the EnvironmentGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Personal watercraft ban lifted on Ogeechee River

The law removes the personal watercraft ban on a specific stretch of the Ogeechee River. This covers the river from its State Highway 119 crossing upstream to its origin. It applies to personal watercraft as defined in Georgia law. Law enforcement craft were already exempt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Steven Meeks

    Republican • House

  • Trey Rhodes

    Republican • House

  • Jason Ridley

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Russ Goodman

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/4/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 164 • No: 0 • Other: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026House

  3. Act 451

    5/11/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/6/2026House

  5. Senate Third Read

    3/25/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/25/2026Senate

  7. Senate Read Second Time

    3/19/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/18/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read and Referred

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. House Third Readers

    3/4/2026House

  11. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/4/2026House

  12. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/25/2026House

  13. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    2/17/2026House

  14. House Second Readers

    2/12/2026House

  15. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/12/2026House

  16. House First Readers

    2/11/2026House

  17. House Hopper

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1266/AP* (v6)

    PDF

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