Georgia CommonsHB1013: HB1013 State symbols; Georgia state chicken wing flavor; designate lemon pepper
Last action February 25, 2026 · House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
A Georgia House bill would officially designate lemon pepper as the state's chicken wing flavor, citing its deep ties to Atlanta food culture and Southern hospitality.
In plain language
Georgia law already recognizes a number of official state symbols, from the peach to the state bird. This bill would add a new one: an official state chicken wing flavor. It amends Georgia's state symbols law (O.C.G.A. Title 50, Chapter 3, Article 3) by adding a new section, O.C.G.A. § 50-3-96, that names lemon pepper as that flavor. The bill opens with a series of legislative findings tracing chicken wings' rise in Georgia, from Taco Mac introducing Buffalo wings in Atlanta in 1979 to American Deli inventing "lemon pepper wet" in 1989. It credits Atlanta restaurants and musicians, along with NBA player Lou Williams, with spreading lemon pepper wings' cultural influence. The bill repeals any conflicting laws and does not set an effective date beyond the standard process for a Georgia Act.
What the bill does
- Adds a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 50-3-96, designating lemon pepper wings as the official Georgia state chicken wing flavor.
- Places the new designation among Georgia's other official state symbols in Title 50, Chapter 3, Article 3 of state law.
- Includes formal legislative findings describing the history of chicken wings and lemon pepper flavor in Georgia.
- Repeals any existing state laws that would conflict with the new designation.
Who it affects
The bill mainly affects the state's official symbolism rather than any regulated industry. It touches Georgia restaurants known for lemon pepper wings, such as American Deli, Wingstop, JR Crickets, Hotlanta Wings, and Magic City, and reflects broader Atlanta food culture.
Why it matters
The bill carries no regulatory or financial consequences; it does not tax, fund, or restrict anything. Its main effect is symbolic, formally recognizing lemon pepper wings as tied to Georgia's culinary identity alongside symbols like the state's official peach.
Key provisions
- Section 1 lists legislative findings tracing the history of chicken wings in Georgia, including Taco Mac's 1979 introduction of Buffalo wings and American Deli's 1989 creation of 'lemon pepper wet.'
- Section 2 amends Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 by adding new Code section 50-3-96, which designates lemon pepper wings as Georgia's official state chicken wing flavor.
- Section 3 repeals any state laws that conflict with the new designation.
From the bill
“Lemon pepper wings are designated as the official Georgia state chicken wing flavor.”
“Just as peaches symbolize Georgia's agricultural pride, le mon pepper wings30 symbolize Georgia's cultural flavor and global culinary influence.”
Status timeline
- House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
- House Second Readers (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Eric Bell (D, HD-075)
- Dexter Sharper (D, HD-177)
- Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-004)
- David Huddleston (R, HD-072)
- Mekyah McQueen (D, HD-061)
- Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)
Topics
- state symbols
- Georgia culture
- food and cuisine
- Atlanta history