HB1013: HB1013 State symbols; Georgia state chicken wing flavor; designate lemon pepper

26 LC 62 0348S The House Committee on Special Rules offers the following ubstitute to HB 1013: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Cod e of Georgia Annotated,1 relating to other state symbols, so as to designate lemon pepper as the official Georgia state2 chicken wing flavor; to provide for legislative findings and de clarations; to provide for3 related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:7 (1) Chicken wings have long been a staple of American cuisine, with the Buffalo flavor8 first rising to prominence in the late 20th century;9 (2) In 1979, Taco Mac opened in the Virginia-Highlands neighbo rhood, and this10 Atlanta-based restaurant introduced the chicken wing to Georgia , bringing with it the11 standard Buffalo flavor that quickly became a culinary mainstay;12 (3) Over the years, Georgians elevated chicken wings into a cultural experience, giving13 birth to unique local flavors and traditions;14 (4) Among these, lemon pepper has emerged as a flavor that is distinctly tied to Georgia,15 representing creativity, boldness, and Southern hospitality;16 H. B. 1013 (SUB) - 1 - 26 LC 62 0348S (5) In 1989, American Deli opened as a small family-owned business with one location17 in Atlanta, at South DeKalb Mall, and invented the cultural phenomenon "lemon pepper18 wet";19 (6) Lemon pepper wings are enjoyed in countless variations, whether Buffalo with lemon20 pepper sprinkles, "lemon pepper wet," all flats, or hot honey lemon pepper;21 (7) Lemon pepper wings resonate across Georgia communities, tr anscending race,22 region, and class, and bring people together at cookouts, famil y gatherings, sporting23 events, and neighborhood restaurants such as JR Crickets, Wings top, Hotlanta Wings,24 Magic City, and countless other establishments; 25 (8) Atlanta culture has carried lemon pepper wings to global r ecognition, through26 references in music by artists such as Gucci Mane, Ziggy2Playa, Quavo, and Rick Ross;27 the celebrated NBA star Lou Williams, affectionately named "Lemon Pepper Lou"; and28 countless other cultural nods; and29 (9) Just as peaches symbolize Georgia's agricultural pride, le mon pepper wings30 symbolize Georgia's cultural flavor and global culinary influence.31 SECTION 2.32 Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other33 state symbols, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:34 "50-3-96.35 Lemon pepper wings are designated as the official Georgia state chicken wing flavor."36 SECTION 3.37 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.38 H. B. 1013 (SUB) - 2 -