HR1949: HR1949 House Study Committee on Gamecock Fighting in Georgia; create

26 LC 48 1848 House Resolution 1949 By: Representative Gullett of the 19th A RESOLUTION Creating the House Study Committee on Gamecock Fighting in Geor gia; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, a gamecock is a domesticated fowl bred, reared, or trained for the purposes of3 fighting with other fowl; and4 WHEREAS, gamecock fighting is a blood sport that often involves the use of metal blades5 attached to the gamecocks' legs and frequently results in the death of one or more fowl; and6 WHEREAS, gamecock fight organizers have been known to receive more than $100,000.007 from gamecock fighting derbies, and such derbies are frequently associated with gambling,8 drugs, violence, and criminal gang activity; and9 WHEREAS, gamecock fighting is illegal under federal law, and Georgia is the only state in10 which gamecock fighting is not a felony offense under state law; and11 WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the General Assembly to ensure that state and federal12 laws prohibiting cruelty to animals are enforced; and13 H. R. 1949 - 1 - 26 LC 48 1848 WHEREAS, further examination of potential criminal penalties and avenues for deterrence14 related to gamecock fighting would assist the General Assembly in developing sound policy15 recommendations.16 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:17 (1) Creation of House study committee. There is created the House Study Committee18 on Gamecock Fighting in Georgia.19 (2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of five members of the20 House of Representatives. Three of such members shall be appoi nted by the Speaker of21 the House of Representatives. Two of such members shall be app ointed by the House22 Minority Leader. The Speaker shall designate a member of the committee as chairperson23 of the committee.24 (3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs,25 issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and rec ommend any action or26 legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.27 (4) Meetings. The chairperson shall call all meetings of the committee. The committee28 may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or29 convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and30 accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution.31 (5) Allowances and funding.32 (A) The legislative members of the committee shall receive the allowances provided for33 in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.34 (B) The allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received by any member35 of the committee for more than five days unless additional days are authorized. Funds36 necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from funds37 appropriated to the House of Representatives.38 H. R. 1949 - 2 - 26 LC 48 1848 (6) Abolishment. The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2026.39 H. R. 1949 - 3 -