House Bill 1103
By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, Gilliard of the 162nd, Holly of the 116th, Jackson of the
128th, Frye of the 122nd, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to state highway system, so as to provide for the establishment of and
purpose for the Happy Highways Grant Program; to provide for the allocation of grant
awards under such program; to provide for grant criteria and application process; to authorize
the erection of up to two murals along the state highway system within each county; to
authorize any signs containing such murals to be erected within 660 feet of the nearest edge
of the right of way; to provide a definition; to provide for contingent effectiveness and
automatic repeal; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other
purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
relating to state highway system, is amended by revising paragraphs (4) and (5) of Code
Section 32-6-72, relating to designation of outdoor advertising which may be erected or
maintained within 660 feet of nearest edge of right of way, as follows:
"(4) Signs located in areas zoned commercial or industrial, which signs provide
information in the specific interest of the traveling public, <ins>including, but not limited to,
any sign erected pursuant to Code Section 32-6-87.2;
</ins> (5) Signs located in unzoned commercial or industrial areas, which signs provide
information in the specific interest of the traveling public, <ins>including, but not limited to,
any sign erected pursuant to Code Section 32-6-87.2;</ins> and"
SECTION 2.
Said part is further amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:
<ins>"32-6-87.2.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'grant program' means the Happy Highways
Grant Program established pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2027, and subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the
department shall establish the Happy Highways Grant Program for the purpose of awarding
one-time grants to participating counties to promote tourism and support roadside
enhancement and beautification efforts by erecting up to two murals along the state
highway system, in accordance with subsection (c) of this Code section. The department
shall establish grant criteria, implement a grant application process, and grant awards
consistent with the provisions of this Code section; provided, however, that no county shall
be awarded more than $150,000.00 per mural.
(c) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this chapter, each county is
authorized to erect a mural on up to two bridges or overpasses on any public road that is
part of the state highway system located within the county's corporate limits, or, if a county
reasonably determines that no such bridge or overpass is available or suitable for erecting
a mural, such county is authorized to erect up to two signs containing a mural along any
portion of the state highway system located within its corporate limits; provided, however,
that any such sign shall comply with any applicable requirements set forth in Code Section
</ins>
<ins>32-6-75. The content of any mural erected pursuant to this Code section shall be consistent
with the grant program's purpose as described in subsection (b) of this Code section,
comply with the provisions set forth in Code Section 32-6-52 and paragraphs (1) and (21)
of subsection (a) of Code Section 32-6-75, and focus on expressions of the county's culture,
values, or history.
(d) Each county seeking to participate in and receive funding from the grant program shall
submit an application to the department in the manner prescribed by the department,
pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section.
(e) The department is authorized to establish policies, rules, and regulations as necessary
to administer and implement this Code section."
</ins> SECTION 3.
This Act shall become effective only if funds are specifically appropriated for the purposes
of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly and shall stand
repealed by operation of law on December 31, 2026, if no such funding becomes available
before such date.
SECTION 4.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.