All Roll Calls
Yes: 217 • No: 1
GeorgiaHB 4952025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Education; Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation; repeal; provide for Georgia Rural Development Council
Sponsored By: Jon Burns (Republican), Robert Dickey (Republican), Gerald Greene (Republican), Leesa Hagan (Republican), Rick Jasperse (Republican), Steven Meeks (Republican)
Became Law
Agriculture & Consumer AffairsAgriculture and Consumer AffairsGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Rural Development Council setup and duties
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Center includes the Georgia Rural Development Council. It has 12 members: six named by the Governor for set areas (leadership, business and entrepreneurship, finance and taxes, rural industry logistics, healthcare, and education), plus three by the House Speaker and three by the Senate President, with geographic diversity. Lawmakers serve two-year terms; other members serve four-year terms, with staggered initial terms, and can serve back-to-back terms. The council studies rural needs like population changes, healthcare access, infrastructure, education, unemployment, and growth incentives. It meets at least quarterly in different places across the state, with a focus on rural areas. Starting July 1, 2025, legislative members get the standard legislative allowance; state officials get no extra pay but may be reimbursed; citizen members get a daily expense allowance set by law and mileage, with the chair capped at 15 days and others at 10 days each year, paid from appropriated funds.
New rural info hub and local offices
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Center runs a central information and research hub on rural issues. It can share community planning models and give industry-specific help to local governments and businesses. The Center may also open satellite offices where needed to serve rural communities.
Rural Center moves to Agriculture Department
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation moves from the University System of Georgia to the Department of Agriculture. The old law in Title 20 is repealed, and any conflicting laws are also repealed. The Commissioner appoints the Center’s director, but the Georgia Rural Development Council must approve by majority vote. The director serves until resignation or until a new approved director is named and may hire needed staff if funds are appropriated. Each year, the Center sends a work plan to the General Assembly for review by House and Senate agriculture and economic development committees, which can approve it and send budget advice to Appropriations.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Jon Burns
Republican • House
Robert Dickey
Republican • House
Gerald Greene
Republican • House
Leesa Hagan
Republican • House
Rick Jasperse
Republican • House
Steven Meeks
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Sam Watson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/31/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 50 • No: 1
House vote • 2/28/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 167 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/14/2025HouseAct 311
5/14/2025House Sent to Governor
4/9/2025HouseSenate Third Read
3/31/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/31/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/18/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/13/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/3/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
2/28/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2/28/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/26/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/19/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported
2/19/2025HouseHouse Withdrawn, Recommitted
2/19/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/18/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/18/2025House
Bill Text
HB 495/AP* (v6)
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