Committee moves to lift 9.9-horsepower restriction on short Ogeechee River stretch, sponsor says

Mr. Ridley presented House Bill 1266 (LC600277) and told a committee that the measure would remove a 9.9-horsepower restriction that has applied to a short section of the Ogeechee River for about 30–40 years.

"If you look online 12 through 14 all we're doing is removing ... the part about the 9 that you couldn't have a motor that exceeded the 9.9 horsepower on for a boat on 1 small section of Okeechie [sic] River," Ridley said, explaining the change responds to petitions from local residents and that motor technology has advanced. He said the department had no objections during off-season discussions.

Procedural outcome: After Ridley’s presentation, a committee member moved to pass the bill, a second was recorded, and the transcript records vocal 'ayes' with no recorded opposition. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally.

Why it matters: The sponsor said local petitions prompted the change and that safety and technology considerations informed the recommendation; the transcript does not include written agency testimony or the bill text in full. Note on spelling: the transcript contains alternate spellings ("Okeechie" and "Ogeechee"); the geographically standard name is the Ogeechee River and the article uses that spelling for clarity.