Georgia CommonsHB 14: State symbols; cornbread as official state bread; designate
Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action May 12, 2026 · Vetoed
The text as LegiScan holds it, read from the PDF the legislature publishes with its margin line numbers, running heads, and page footers removed. Line breaks are joined into paragraphs here; no word is changed.
Underlined words are what the bill adds to current law and struck-through words are what it removes, as the printed bill shows them.
House Bill 14 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representatives Carpenter of the 4th, Tarvin of the 2nd, Crawford of the 89th, and Fleming of the 114th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, so as to enact the "Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act"; to create the Georgia Music Office; to provide for administration of the office; to provide for duties of the office; to provide for the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations; to provide for an appropriations contingency; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act."
SECTION 2.
Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, is amended in Chapter 7, relating to the Department of Economic Development, by adding a new article to read as follows:
"ARTICLE 11
50-7-130.
As used in this article, the term:
(1) 'Commissioner' means the commissioner of economic development.
(2) 'Coordinate' means to issue rules, policies, standards, definitions, specifications, and other guidance.
(3) 'Department' means the Department of Economic Development.
(4) 'Director' means the director of the office.
(5) 'Implementation' means planning, writing, drafting, designing, studying, and conducting market analysis; soliciting and accepting gifts, contributions, and cooperation; contracting, procurement, retention of consultants, and outsourcing; and other activities within the ordinary meaning of the term in this context.
(6) 'Marketing' means promoting, advertising, public relations, press relations, and branding; creation, use, and licensing of trademark, copyright, and other intellectual property; and other activities of a similar nature or within the term as it is commonly understood.
(7) 'Office' means the Georgia Music Office.
50-7-131.
(a) There is established the Georgia Music Office to facilitate the growth of Georgia's music industry in communities across this state through state-wide support, promotion, and cultivation of Georgia's rich music heritage, musicians, and vibrant music industry.
(b) The commissioner shall select a director to lead the office. In selecting the director, consideration shall be given to individuals who possess extensive knowledge of the many aspects of the music industry, including, but not limited to, live touring, recording, and distribution, and who possess at least five years of experience in the music industry. The commissioner shall appoint personnel within the department to administer functions of the office.
(c) The office shall:
(1) Promote the growing production of music in this state, the enjoyment and appreciation of the Georgia music industry, and the benefits of visiting and viewing the diverse music productions in this state;
(2) Serve as a music business promotion office and information clearing-house for the Georgia music industry through the implementation of a strategic business development plan to help music industry professionals and businesses relocate to this state by providing resources and acting as a conduit for music related economic and community development;
(3) Coordinate and market specific programs and initiatives to attract music industry professionals and to foster the economic and community development of Georgia music businesses and musicians;
(4) Assist in growing Georgia's music industry by providing music industry professionals with production contacts in this state; suggesting possible performing, publishing, and recording locations; and other activities as may be required to promote this state as a national music center;
(5) Serve as a liaison between music businesses and governmental offices and agencies, including workforce development, education, and tourism;
(6) Publicize significant developments within the industry;
(7) Develop and market listings of music festivals, productions, and other music events being held throughout this state;
(8) Publicize and market this state's music heritage and culture; and
(9) Establish a Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities Program. Each city and county seeking such certification shall be required to host a Music Friendly Georgia workshop to educate local leaders and stakeholders on the office's functions. Upon being certified, such cities and counties shall form an advisory board of local music industry stakeholders to promote music related economic development in their communities and appoint a Music Friendly Georgia Certified Liaison to liaise with the office.
(d) The office shall be assigned to the department for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3.
50-7-132.
(a) Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly or other available funding, the department is authorized to adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this article.
(b) In its marketing and implementation of marketing for Georgia's music industry, the department may exercise its powers under Code Sections 50-7-10, 50-7-11, and 50-7-11.1, and may authorize and delegate to the office all or part of such powers for its own implementation."
SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.