HB166: HB166 State holidays; fourth Friday in November as National Sugarcane Syrup Day; designate

Georgia law currently lists a set of official holidays and observances in Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This bill would add a new day to that list: the fourth Friday in November, the day after Thanksgiving, would be designated 'National Sugarcane Syrup Day' in Georgia. The bill includes legislative findings stating that making sugarcane syrup is a long-standing family farm tradition, particularly in Georgia, that is at risk of dying out due to rising production costs, competition from artificial syrups, and a shrinking number of farmers who still make it. The bill states the new observance is meant to preserve this tradition, honor the farmers who continue it, and raise public awareness about the difference between natural sugarcane syrup and artificial versions. The bill does not create any new spending, requirements, or paid holiday.

• Adds a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27, to Georgia law designating the fourth Friday in November each year as 'National Sugarcane Syrup Day'.
• States legislative findings explaining why the observance is being created, including concern about the decline of traditional sugarcane syrup making.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation, a standard clause with no independent substantive effect here.

Georgia farmers who produce sugarcane syrup, particularly those continuing a family farm tradition, along with the general public who may see increased awareness of the observance. The bill does not impose duties on businesses, schools, or government agencies.

The designation is symbolic and carries no funding, mandate, or paid day off. Its practical effect is limited to official recognition, which could support public awareness campaigns or events honoring sugarcane syrup farmers, particularly around Thanksgiving weekend.

• Section 1 lays out legislative findings describing sugarcane syrup making as a family farm tradition at risk of dying out.
• Section 2 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, officially naming the fourth Friday in November 'National Sugarcane Syrup Day' in Georgia.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws, a routine closing clause.

1. 2025-02-03House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-01-30House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Lehman Franklin (R, HD-160)Primary sponsor
• John Corbett (R, HD-174)
• Leesa Hagan (R, HD-156)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)
• Bill Yearta (R, HD-152)

• state holidays
• agriculture
• sugarcane syrup
• Georgia farm tradition