HR 210: Georgia Forestry Commission; serving the State of Georgia as an emergency response agency; commend

This is a commemorative resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or obligations. It recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission, created under the Forestry Act of 1921, for its history of protecting Georgia's forests and responding to wildfires, averaging about 3,000 fires and 18,500 acres burned per year. The resolution also highlights the Commission's broader emergency response role, noting its employees have helped during events like Hurricane Katrina, Winter Storm Pax, Hurricane Michael, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hurricane Helene. It directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo as a formal show of appreciation.

• Formally commends the Georgia Forestry Commission for its decades of service protecting Georgia's forests and responding to emergencies.
• Recites the Commission's history since the Forestry Act of 1921 and its role in wildfire prevention and prescribed burning.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic statement of appreciation.

The Georgia Forestry Commission and its employees, particularly State Forester John Sabo, who receives the resolution. It has no direct legal effect on other Georgians, landowners, or agencies.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences, but it publicly recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission's role in wildfire response and disaster assistance, which may raise awareness of the agency's work among the public and lawmakers.

• Recites the Commission's founding under the Forestry Act of 1921 and its mission to protect and conserve Georgia's forest resources.
• Notes the Commission responds to an average of 3,000 wildfires burning 18,500 acres per year, including major fires in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
• Describes employee training standards as Firefighter Type 1 or Type 2, or as POST-certified law enforcement officers.
• Resolves that the House commends the Commission and extends best wishes for continued success.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.

1. 2025-02-10House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-10House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-10House Hopper (House)

• Jesse Petrea (R, HD-166)Primary sponsor
• James Hatchett (R, HD-155)
• John Corbett (R, HD-174)
• James Burchett (R, HD-176)
• Charles Cannon (R, HD-172)
• Danny Mathis (R, HD-133)

• Georgia Forestry Commission
• wildfire response
• forest conservation
• emergency response
• legislative commendation