Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 377: Rabun County; recognize
Last action March 13, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes Rabun County as the Waterfall Capital of Georgia, citing its roughly 120 waterfalls and their role in tourism and the local economy.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It states that Rabun County, in northeast Georgia, contains over 240,000 acres, much of it public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Power, and that the county has around 120 waterfalls, more than double any other Georgia county. The resolution describes how these waterfalls draw visitors, support outfitters and other tourism businesses, and contribute to the local and regional economy. It also references the 'Waterfall Effect,' a claimed calming benefit from negative ions released near waterfalls. The Senate resolves to officially recognize Rabun County as the 'Waterfall Capital of Georgia' and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
What the bill does
- Formally designates Rabun County as the 'Waterfall Capital of Georgia' through a Senate resolution.
- States factual claims about Rabun County's land area, public land ownership, and number of waterfalls (about 120).
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
- Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a symbolic recognition rather than a change to Georgia law.
Who it affects
Primarily affects Rabun County's public image and tourism branding, along with local outfitters and businesses that serve hikers and visitors to the waterfalls. It has no direct legal effect on individuals, agencies, or other counties in Georgia.
Why it matters
While the resolution carries no legal force, official recognition can be used by Rabun County and North Georgia tourism promoters in marketing materials, potentially supporting local businesses like outfitters and tour operators that depend on visitor traffic to the area's waterfalls.
Key provisions
- The resolving clause recognizes Rabun County as the 'Waterfall Capital of Georgia.'
- A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.
- The preamble ('whereas' clauses) lays out the factual basis: over 240,000 acres, mostly public land, and about 120 waterfalls in the county.
From the bill
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize Rabun County as the Waterfall Capital of Georgia.”
“there are approximately 120 waterfalls in Rabun County including Mud Creek, Hemlock, Minnehaha, Dicks Creek, Martin Creek, Holcomb Creek, and others”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Bo Hatchett (R, SD-50)
Topics
- Rabun County
- waterfalls
- tourism
- North Georgia
- ceremonial resolution