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:
<ins>"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
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<ins>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
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<ins>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."
</ins> SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.