SB 312: Department of Economic Development; establishment of the Georgia Peach Walk of Fame Advisory Council; provide

Georgia currently has no official body dedicated to honoring people from the state's entertainment industries. This bill would add a new article to Georgia's economic development law (O.C.G.A. Title 50, Chapter 7) creating the Georgia Peach Walk of Fame Advisory Council within the Department of Economic Development. The Governor would appoint 15 members representing the entertainment industry, who would serve two-year terms, meet at least quarterly, and elect their own chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, and secretary. The council would hold public hearings, consult industry experts, and recommend individuals from motion pictures, television, radio, recording, live theater, and sports entertainment for inclusion on the Walk of Fame. It could accept private donations and grants to fund its work. Members would not be paid but could claim expense reimbursement. The council must submit its first annual report to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2026, and every year after that.

• Creates the Georgia Peach Walk of Fame Advisory Council as a new 15-member body inside the Department of Economic Development, appointed by the Governor.
• Requires the council to recommend individuals from six entertainment industries (film, TV, radio, recording, live theater, sports entertainment) for inclusion on the Walk of Fame.
• Directs the council to hold public hearings, publish recommendation criteria online, and consult the General Assembly on a location for the Walk of Fame.
• Allows the council to accept private donations, gifts, grants, and matching funds to support its work.
• Requires an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly starting no later than June 30, 2026, including funding updates and honoree recommendations.
• Sets member terms at two years, with initial terms staggered at one or two years, and requires quarterly meetings open to public input.

The Department of Economic Development, which would house the council; the Governor, who appoints its 15 members; entertainment industry professionals in film, TV, radio, recording, theater, and sports entertainment who could be recommended for the Walk of Fame; and members of the public who can attend hearings and comment.

If enacted, Georgia would gain a formal state process for honoring entertainment figures, similar to other states' walks of fame, potentially boosting tourism and industry recognition. The council's reliance on donations and volunteer members means its funding and pace of work would depend on outside support rather than guaranteed state appropriations.

• New Code Section 50-7-130 establishes the council within the Department of Economic Development and sets its 15-member, Governor-appointed structure.
• Members serve two-year terms, with seven initial appointees serving one year and eight serving two years, and must be full-time Georgia residents.
• The council must meet at least quarterly and provide opportunities for public input, per subsection (e) of Code Section 50-7-130.
• New Code Section 50-7-131 lists the council's activities: public hearings, expert consultations, recommending honorees and a Walk of Fame location, and publishing criteria online.
• Individuals may be recommended from motion pictures, television, radio, recording, live theater and performance, and sports entertainment industries.
• The council may solicit and accept donations, gifts, grants, property, or matching funds from public or private sources.
• New Code Section 50-7-132 requires an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly by June 30, 2026, and each year after, with a public comment period before submission.
• Members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, following existing state reimbursement rules.

1. 2025-02-28Senate Read and Referred (Senado)
2. 2025-02-27Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)Patrocinador principal
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)

• entertainment industry
• economic development
• Georgia Peach Walk of Fame
• state advisory councils