Education; Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation; repeal; provide for Georgia Rural Development Council

New development oversight for rural Georgia

Beginning July 1, 2025, the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation moves to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture. The law replaces its education-code rules and requires relocation to a suitable facility. The Center must provide rural information, research, and best practices. It may offer community-planning tools, industry-specific help, and satellite offices. A 12-member Georgia Rural Development Council guides the Center. The Governor appoints six members covering leadership, business development, finance and taxes, rural-industry logistics, healthcare, and education. One of those six serves as chair. The House Speaker and Senate President each appoint three members from different geographic areas. Legislative members serve two-year terms; other members serve four-year terms, with repeat terms allowed. Initially, three Governor appointees serve two years and three serve four years. The Council studies rural population, healthcare access, infrastructure, unemployment, education, and economic growth incentives. It meets at least quarterly in different rural locations to hear from local leaders, service providers, businesses, and residents. The Agriculture Commissioner appoints the director, with approval by a majority of the Council. The director serves until resignation or appointment of an approved successor, and may hire staff only with appropriated funding. Each year, the Center must send lawmakers a work plan for upcoming fiscal years. House and Senate agriculture and economic development committees may approve it by majority vote and recommend budget action. Legislative Council members receive legislative allowances. State officials and employees receive no additional compensation, but their agencies may reimburse expenses. Citizen members receive daily expense and travel allowances, capped at 15 days yearly for the chair and 10 for others. The Center and Council rely on appropriated funds; the law specifies no funding amount.