HB1438: HB1438 Tariff Transition Advisory Councils Act; enact

26 LC 44 3281 House Bill 1438 By: Representatives Westbrook of the 163rd, Park of the 107th, Au of the 50th, Reese of the 140th, and Myles of the 126th A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government,1 so as to provide for regional tariff transition advisory councils; to provide for membership2 and duties of such councils; to provide for reporting requireme nts; to provide for3 administrative support and funding sources; to provide for a sh ort title; to provide for4 legislative findings and purpose; to provide for related matter s; to repeal conflicting laws;5 and for other purposes.6 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7 SECTION 1.8 This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Tariff Transition Advisory Councils Act."9 SECTION 2.10 (a) The General Assembly finds and determines that:11 (1) Federal and international tariffs can create significant and uneven economic disruptions12 across Georgia's industries, including agriculture, manufacturi ng, logistics, and small13 businesses;14 H. B. 1438 - 1 - 26 LC 44 3281 (2) Regions of the state may experience tariff impacts differe ntly, requiring localized15 analysis and consultation; and16 (3) A coordinated state response is needed to identify disrupt ions and to assist affected17 industries and workers.18 (b) The purpose of this chapter is to establish regional advis ory councils to gather data,19 assess economic impacts, and recommend mitigation and transition strategies to strengthen20 Georgia's economy and workforce.21 SECTION 3.22 Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, is amended23 by adding a new chapter to read as follows:24 "CHAPTER 4125 50-41-1.26 (a) There are created, within the Department of Economic Devel opment, five regional27 tariff transition advisory councils representing the following areas:28 (1) Northwest Georgia;29 (2) Northeast Georgia;30 (3) Metro Atlanta;31 (4) Middle Georgia; and32 (5) South Georgia.33 (b) The commissioner of economic development shall designate p recise regional34 boundaries that are consistent with existing regional economic development districts.35 H. B. 1438 - 2 - 26 LC 44 3281 50-41-2.36 (a) Each regional council shall be composed of nine members to be appointed as follows:37 (1) Three representatives from the business community, includi ng at least one38 manufacturer or logistics operator;39 (2) Two representatives from organized labor or workforce development organizations;40 (3) Two representatives from the agricultural sector or agribusiness stakeholders;41 (4) One representative from a local development authority or chamber of commerce; and42 (5) One representative from a technical college, university, o r economic research43 institution.44 (b) Members shall serve two-year terms and may be reappointed.45 (c) Members shall receive no compensation but may receive reim bursement for actual46 expenses incurred in relation to council duties.47 50-41-3.48 Each regional council shall:49 (1) Collect and analyze data on tariff related impacts affecting industries, supply chains,50 workforce conditions, and local economies within its region;51 (2) Conduct outreach to businesses, farmers, workers, and community organizations to52 assess disruptions and emerging needs;53 (3) Develop mitigation strategies for affected sectors, includ ing workforce retraining,54 supply chain adjustments, export support, and small business assistance;55 (4) Recommend state level policy responses to the Department o f Economic56 Development and the General Assembly;57 (5) Coordinate with relevant state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the58 Department of Labor, the Technical College System of Georgia, a nd the University59 System of Georgia; and60 H. B. 1438 - 3 - 26 LC 44 3281 (6) Ensure that all meetings comply with Chapter 14 of this title and publish minutes and61 findings in accordance with state law.62 50-41-4.63 (a) No later than December 31 of each year, the Department of Economic Development64 shall submit to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of65 Representatives a report summarizing:66 (1) Key findings of each regional council;67 (2) Identified economic disruptions;68 (3) Recommended mitigation strategies; and69 (4) Proposed policy actions.70 (b) All reports prepared pursuant to subsection (a) of this Co de section shall be made71 public and posted on the website of the Department of Economic Development.72 50-41-5.73 (a) The Department of Economic Development shall provide staff support, meeting space,74 data analysis assistance, and any other administrative services necessary to carry out the75 purposes of this chapter.76 (b) The Department of Economic Development may seek federal gr ants, philanthropic77 funding, or cooperative agreements to support regional council activities."78 SECTION 4.79 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.80 H. 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