Sponsor says SB 420 would shift fisheries control to state and codify DNR housekeeping

The sponsor of Senate Bill 420 (LC443323) told a Georgia legislative committee the measure would give the state more authority over a coastal fishery, fund data collection, and include housekeeping changes to codify recent Department of Natural Resources (DNR) board rules.

"Let's get it out of the hands of the Feds," the sponsor said, arguing the bill would provide "real data" on fish populations and support a coastal industry that provides economic benefit to the region. The sponsor said they chaired a tourism study committee over the summer and described the bill as "a shot in the arm" for the coast.

The sponsor also described a second section of the bill as DNR housekeeping language to formalize board rules adopted over the past year. The committee chair noted the governor and others have sent letters supporting the effort and said the bill has been before the Senate and the committee previously.

Procedural outcome: A committee member moved to pass the bill; a second was recorded and the committee conducted a voice vote. Committee members answered "Aye" and no opposition was recorded in the transcript. The record in the transcript shows a voice vote and does not include a roll-call tally.

Background and significance: The sponsor framed the measure as a way for Georgia to control its own fishery and gather data for informed management. The DNR housekeeping language would codify rules developed by the agency's board. The transcript does not include the full bill text or the department’s formal written testimony in this excerpt.