GeorgiaHB 4542025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Act; enact

Sponsored By: Clint Crowe (Republican), Houston Gaines (Republican), Trey Rhodes (Republican), Gary Richardson (Republican), Jason Ridley (Republican), Marcus Wiedower (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Game, Fish & ParksRulesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Georgia creates a battlefield preservation fund

The law creates the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund as a separate account in Georgia's treasury. It accepts state appropriations, public and private grants, gifts, donations, and other money dedicated to battlefield preservation. Interest stays in the fund, and investments follow State Depository Board rules; the law sets no funding amount. The Department of Natural Resources administers the program and spends fund money only as the law allows. Administrative costs cannot exceed 5% of fund money per fiscal year, and annual spending reports are due to state budget offices by January 1.

Battlefield grants require matches and lasting protection

Tax-exempt nonprofit corporations or trusts authorized in Georgia, and state agencies with a preservation mission, can seek battlefield grants. Eligible Georgia sites must appear in the specified 1993 or 2007 federal battlefield reports, including later amendments. Grants cover land and improvements, permanent protective interests, and related appraisal, environmental, survey, title, and closing costs. Applicants must match each grant dollar with at least $1; cash, land donations, and bargain-sale value count. Non-state applicants cannot use state money for their match, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the appraised property or protective-interest value. Earlier purchases qualify only when closing occurred within 12 months before application and a clear threat or compelling preservation need existed at purchase. The Department of Natural Resources develops guidelines with preservation stakeholders and weighs battlefield significance, location within identified areas, nearby protected lands, threats, financial capacity, and stewardship capacity. Nonprofits acquiring property or an interest must grant a permanent conservation easement that limits future use or development. Another qualified easement holder must ensure lasting protection and show it can manage and enforce the easement. Transfers to Georgia or the United States for incorporation into national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, or other national conservation areas are allowed; the department must help arrange them under federal law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Bill Cowsert
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 204 • No: 14

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 9

House vote • 3/3/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 157 • No: 14 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Effective Date
7/1/2025
House Date Signed by Governor
5/12/2025House
Act 116
5/12/2025
House Sent to Governor
4/8/2025House
Senate Third Read
4/2/2025Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
3/31/2025Senate
Senate Recommitted
3/25/2025Senate
Senate Read Second Time
3/21/2025Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/20/2025Senate
Senate Read and Referred
3/4/2025Senate
House Third Readers
3/3/2025House
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/3/2025House
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/27/2025House
House Second Readers
2/19/2025House
House First Readers
2/18/2025House
House Hopper
2/13/2025House

Bill Text

HB 454/AP* (v8)
PDF

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