All Roll Calls
Yes: 218 • No: 0
GeorgiaHB 1432025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Water resources; water-measuring devices for farm use of surface and ground water; revise provisions
Sponsored By: Chas Cannon (Republican), Robert Dickey (Republican), Gerald Greene (Republican), Steven Meeks (Republican), Lynn Smith (Republican), Bill Yearta (Republican)
Became Law
Natural Resources & EnvironmentNatural Resources and the EnvironmentGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Pre-1988 farms keep surface water capacity
If you prove farm surface‑water use before July 1, 1988 and you applied before July 1, 1991, the director issues a permit. It allows the larger of your July 1, 1988 operating capacity or the highest monthly average in the five years before that date. Later or post‑1988 uses are evaluated under current rules to ensure reasonable use.
Meters required after permit changes
For permit changes effective on or after April 20, 2018, if no meter is on a withdrawal point, the permittee must install one. It must be installed and operating at each point within one year of the updated permit’s effective date. The permittee must notify the division in writing; the division approves or disapproves within 60 days. The permittee pays all installation costs.
25-year Flint River farm permits
Farm permits in the Flint River basin applied for on or after April 20, 2006 last 25 years. They renew automatically at the original capacity. The division can lower the renewed amount only if keeping it would unreasonably harm other water users. Any reduction must be based on reasonable use and a resource evaluation.
Groundwater permits protected, cuts in shortages
Once you start using a groundwater farm permit, it is not revoked for nonuse. Exception: for Flint River permits applied on or after April 20, 2006, the director may revoke if you do not start within two years, unless hardship or reasons beyond your control. The director may suspend or change a permit that blocks neighbors’ reasonable use. In a water‑shortage emergency, water for human consumption is first; farm use is second.
State program to meter farm water
The division runs programs to measure farm surface and groundwater use. It installs meters at some sites with permits issued by July 1, 2003, at no charge. If a site lacks needed infrastructure, after five years from the division’s notice the permittee must install the meter and pay. The division reads, audits, and can maintain or replace meters it installs at no charge. Willful tampering can bring civil penalties.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Chas Cannon
Republican • House
Robert Dickey
Republican • House
Gerald Greene
Republican • House
Steven Meeks
Republican • House
Lynn Smith
Republican • House
Bill Yearta
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Sam Watson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 53 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 165 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/8/2025HouseAct 72
5/8/2025House Sent to Governor
4/7/2025HouseSenate Third Read
3/25/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/25/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/21/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/20/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
2/28/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
2/27/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2/27/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/13/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
1/30/2025HouseHouse First Readers
1/29/2025HouseHouse Hopper
1/28/2025House
Bill Text
HB 143/AP* (v6)
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