House Bill 1438
By: Representatives Westbrook of the 163rd, Park of the 107th, Au of the 50th, Reese of the
140th, and Myles of the 126th
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 provide for regional tariff transition advisory councils; to provide for membership
and duties of such councils; to provide for reporting requirements; to provide for
administrative support and funding sources; to provide for a short title; to provide for
legislative findings and purpose; 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 "Tariff Transition Advisory Councils Act."
SECTION 2.
(a) The General Assembly finds and determines that:
(1) Federal and international tariffs can create significant and uneven economic disruptions
across Georgia's industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and small
businesses;
(2) Regions of the state may experience tariff impacts differently, requiring localized
analysis and consultation; and
(3) A coordinated state response is needed to identify disruptions and to assist affected
industries and workers.
(b) The purpose of this chapter is to establish regional advisory councils to gather data,
assess economic impacts, and recommend mitigation and transition strategies to strengthen
Georgia's economy and workforce.
SECTION 3.
Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, is amended
by adding a new chapter to read as follows:
<ins>"CHAPTER 41
50-41-1.
(a) There are created, within the Department of Economic Development, five regional
tariff transition advisory councils representing the following areas:
(1) Northwest Georgia;
(2) Northeast Georgia;
(3) Metro Atlanta;
(4) Middle Georgia; and
(5) South Georgia.
(b) The commissioner of economic development shall designate precise regional
boundaries that are consistent with existing regional economic development districts.
</ins>
<ins>50-41-2.
(a) Each regional council shall be composed of nine members to be appointed as follows:
(1) Three representatives from the business community, including at least one
manufacturer or logistics operator;
(2) Two representatives from organized labor or workforce development organizations;
(3) Two representatives from the agricultural sector or agribusiness stakeholders;
(4) One representative from a local development authority or chamber of commerce; and
(5) One representative from a technical college, university, or economic research
institution.
(b) Members shall serve two-year terms and may be reappointed.
(c) Members shall receive no compensation but may receive reimbursement for actual
expenses incurred in relation to council duties.
50-41-3.
Each regional council shall:
(1) Collect and analyze data on tariff related impacts affecting industries, supply chains,
workforce conditions, and local economies within its region;
(2) Conduct outreach to businesses, farmers, workers, and community organizations to
assess disruptions and emerging needs;
(3) Develop mitigation strategies for affected sectors, including workforce retraining,
supply chain adjustments, export support, and small business assistance;
(4) Recommend state level policy responses to the Department of Economic
Development and the General Assembly;
(5) Coordinate with relevant state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the
Department of Labor, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the University
System of Georgia; and
</ins>
<ins>(6) Ensure that all meetings comply with Chapter 14 of this title and publish minutes and
findings in accordance with state law.
50-41-4.
(a) No later than December 31 of each year, the Department of Economic Development
shall submit to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives a report summarizing:
(1) Key findings of each regional council;
(2) Identified economic disruptions;
(3) Recommended mitigation strategies; and
(4) Proposed policy actions.
(b) All reports prepared pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be made
public and posted on the website of the Department of Economic Development.
50-41-5.
(a) The Department of Economic Development shall provide staff support, meeting space,
data analysis assistance, and any other administrative services necessary to carry out the
purposes of this chapter.
(b) The Department of Economic Development may seek federal grants, philanthropic
funding, or cooperative agreements to support regional council activities."
</ins> SECTION 4.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.