Georgia CommonsHouse · Engrossed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HB 444: Holidays; April of each year as Georgia Native Plant Month; designate
Last action January 12, 2026 · Senate Recommitted
A Georgia House bill would officially designate April of each year as Georgia Native Plant Month, adding a new symbolic observance to state law.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the bill and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This bill amends Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, which lists the state's official holidays and observances. It adds a new Code section, 1-4-27, that names April of each year 'Georgia Native Plant Month' in Georgia. The bill does not create any new programs, funding, requirements, or penalties. It simply adds a symbolic designation to the state's list of observances. The bill also includes a standard clause repealing any conflicting laws.
What the bill does
- Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27) to Georgia law designating April as 'Georgia Native Plant Month' each year.
- Creates a purely symbolic observance with no funding, agency duties, or enforcement mechanism attached.
- Repeals any existing laws that conflict with this new designation.
Who it affects
The bill mainly affects the state's official calendar of observances rather than any specific group. Georgians interested in native plants, conservation groups, and state officials who track official designations may take note, but no individuals or businesses face new obligations.
Why it matters
Because the bill creates only a symbolic monthly designation, its practical effect on daily life is minimal. It could raise public awareness of native plants and support related educational or conservation messaging, but it does not change any rights, duties, or funding.
Key provisions
- Section 1 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, stating that April of each year is designated 'Georgia Native Plant Month' in Georgia.
- Section 2 repeals any laws or parts of laws that conflict with this designation, a standard closing clause.
From the bill
“The month of April of each year is designated as 'Georgia Native Plant Month' in Georgia.”
Status timeline
- Senate Recommitted (Senate)
- Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
- Senate Committee Favorably Reported (Senate)
- Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
- House Passed/Adopted (House)
- House Third Readers (House)
- House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
- House Second Readers (House)
Show full history (10 actions)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Deborah Silcox (R, HD-53)
- Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
- Jan Jones (R, HD-47)
- Matt Reeves (R, HD-99)
- Scott Hilton (R, HD-48)
- Rick Williams (R, SD-25)
Votes
- House voteFebruary 26, 2025
158 yea, 3 nay (5 not voting, 14 excused)
Topics
- state holidays and observances
- native plants
- conservation awareness
- Georgia law