[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6303359,"mediaKeyId","2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95","parentId",2473153,"title","House committee advances bill to bring some private water systems under PSC oversight","audioSeconds",702,"startMs",705000,"endMs",1407000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95&start=705&end=1407","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95/thumbnail_705000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6303359/Georgia/House-committee-advances-bill-to-bring-some-private-water-systems-under-PSC-oversight","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303359-fbc162fe39562821a241556961adc9b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191541&Signature=Dm5ZiQVCIwbhCGMluEmIr0O2AzfUw-2AjdMcC2PZiH0y7O5HfYEHztl2LpXMzUWZt9084NSUf2ZaTEidpWjrRdp7jcnT7l644pWwoAX~o8UonHs8N0YakbG4fvGzr6SngFG601GpFOs90SB6yCpomWJfdCkxdz8LHu0VV0BCaoOnUDK2aTeJQSx8iMKC-NFkjL1i3CmQ3juGV4X7sjJ1j~NS7~Ik7RPTolY7xU6wPIfcDJXkhnH7axs9Q4Ssifq62goeUzOcNdZRi7G71YqfFG3A9vPYIfyZipYxShDGxPQxDHhV9NWGQUR9NR~cSopI60HPZQKcRq~rVFzjY2dnpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Georgia State Legislature","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee voted Monday morning to advance HB 449, a bill that would place limited regulation of some private water companies under the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Rhodes, told the committee the measure targets privately owned water systems that use surface water and have at least 2,000 customers and that the bill is the product of a multi‑meeting study committee. \"We are 1 of 5 states that do not regulate private water companies,\" Rhodes said, and he described the measure as a start toward PSC oversight. He also warned of a budget impact for the PSC, saying, \"we're talking about $750 to $1,200,000 would be the budget need that we would need, for this program.\"

The bill would give the PSC a formal rate‑case process for those systems, with opportunities for public hearings. Rhodes said the draft removes capital expenditures from hookup (tap) fees as part of compromises made during the study process: \"we took the hookup fees and capital expenditures out of the equation. So I feel very good that the 15% increase, is very fair. And if they justify it, it's justified.\" Committee members pressed on consumer protections for small systems; Representative Darlene Tyler asked whether a system could simply \"shut it down\" rather than accept a rate increase. Rhodes responded that the bill covers only systems that draw surface water and serve 2,000 or more customers, not small well‑based systems, and he told members he expected affected systems would not shut off service.

Other members described the bill as narrowly targeted. One committee member said it was \"the first time the PSC in Georgia has been asked to regulate water systems\" and called the proposal a cautious way to \"stick [a] toe in\" and test oversight on a small number of systems. Representative Mathis asked whether private systems provide fire hydrants and who would bear the cost of water used for firefighting; Rhodes said he did not have an answer at the hearing and would follow up. Representative Taylor asked whether the PSC fiscal estimate was staffing‑heavy; Rhodes said most of the projected cost would be staffing and that the PSC staff present could offer more detail.

After questions, a motion to pass the bill (LC 5,50562S as shown in committee paperwork) carried by voice vote and the committee referred the measure to Rules. The committee record shows the passage by voice vote; there was no roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript.

The bill advances oversight of a small subset of private water companies while leaving many questions for later — the PSC staffing plan, how small systems and firefighting water costs would be handled, and precise fiscal estimates. The chair instructed sponsors to complete required paperwork to move the bill to Rules.

Votes at a glance: HB 449 — motion to pass committee paperwork (LC 5,50562S); voice vote recorded as \"aye,\" no roll‑call recorded; outcome: passed and reported to Rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03.03.25 Agriculture & Consumer Affairs","oneSentenceSummary","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee voted Monday morning to advance HB 449, a bill that would place limited regulation of some private water companies under the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Georgia , Georgia","taxId",77688,"location","Georgia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6303349,"Committee holds hearing on HB 265 to restrict certain hemp‑derived intoxicants including delta‑8",1324,2360000,3684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95&start=2360&end=3684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95/thumbnail_2360000.jpg","/articles/6303349/Georgia/Committee-holds-hearing-on-HB-265-to-restrict-certain-hempderived-intoxicants-including-delta8","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303349-68ac6439fc6f8f64d44a19db7592c622/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191541&Signature=G2~KZPi2NKnNH39HiaNrlD6F4ZH66~kKPfO8OTAiKmKOrUdarKOexSniZZVFcsCfe5cspaJBa4Caw7PBrEb4OYupUcuzdBThShkFxu9-3VZPYX0-V2JWZf-xGc9z0bVGqA5K3Esc4nNR8UHUYznXOVWBa5rwv53s43lcpo4r2AByEYhmncirqHzmdll10atyPNsQiWsIF2dMX39SQ6khj-x4jmoZGSFC9aasBbfSJyTrNFaxuLY7v6DQFuxOmy7ob7CociXu9CpQ2OhIATk-b6Hnr2gOxbmmTKfQjnYKhQCQrnpPED~cBSo1MYMow6If6REgrpVOFJjAE0aolhjioQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on HB 265, a bill aimed at restricting certain hemp‑derived intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta‑8 THC.

Representative Saenz, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the substitute (LC50550501(s) in the packet) focuses on cannabinoids with the greatest evidence of psychoactive effect and that the bill seeks to address synthetic derivatives produced from hemp that produce intoxication similar to delta‑9 THC. \"This bill aims to eliminate Delta 8, in, hemp products within the state of Georgia,\" the sponsor said.

Several witnesses testified in favor of restrictions. Michael Mumper of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy explained that hemp products marketed as containing delta‑8 can actually contain very high concentrations of intoxicating cannabinoids and be readily shipped to consumers across the state; he cited an example of a 95% delta‑8 vape cartridge listed for about $60 on a retailer website. A parent, Marty Ravinda, described her son's addiction to high‑potency THC and said her son required inpatient treatment; she asked the committee to pass restrictions to reduce youth access and harms. Dr. Greg Raducah (vice president, Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy) and other public‑health witnesses warned that new synthetic cannabinoids can be far more potent than delta‑9 and said several other states have moved to close what they called a \"delta loophole.\"

Catherine Russell, director of policy at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, described the department’s recent regulatory work under SB 494 (passed last year) to build a hemp inspection and testing program and said the department has started inspections and testing as of January. Russell cautioned the committee that the issue is complex: some cannabinoids may occur naturally at low levels, others are semi‑synthetic or synthetic, and banning one compound can prompt manufacturers to shift to other, less‑tested compounds. Russell said lab testing shows some products marketed as delta‑8 test as delta‑9 and that other cannabinoids (HHC, THCP) may present different safety profiles and heavy‑metal spikes in profiles used for vaping. She recommended a comprehensive approach and more study rather than incremental bans that could push consumers toward more dangerous alternatives.

The committee did not vote on HB 265; the hearing was informational and sponsors and witnesses agreed work remains to craft targeted language. The chair said he was \"open to trying to find solutions for this\" and adjourned the meeting.

Next steps: Sponsors and stakeholders will continue discussions; Department of Agriculture representatives encouraged a careful, comprehensive legislative approach that considers enforcement, laboratory profiles and unintended substitution to other synthetic cannabinoids.","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on HB 265, a bill that would restrict certain hemp‑derived intoxicating cannabinoids, including delta‑8 THC.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6303354,"Committee passes bill tightening automatic‑renewal rules; fitness operators urge industry exemption",1006,1392000,2398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95&start=1392&end=2398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2473153-8307d1cfbfe0dea079ef64678f744f95/thumbnail_1392000.jpg","/articles/6303354/Georgia/Committee-passes-bill-tightening-automaticrenewal-rules-fitness-operators-urge-industry-exemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6303354-a29387175fd95247b84a893b0176f831/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191541&Signature=DiZqBvmm8RLgMEGDQJc9sIUxXjUg8rPTXgGzvR-C3o1NRolWaTZOYp1pRZMtU-Yxm8hZsiZ3kg8aho2yFMLadV67NuqW10p3a9gDjzGUxu8vxiMRoxmubwe1V3vvBLJXeD~MO~xb7SKyaxdFmtVNC34aIyDAiXk92mr3B9GYZEWdWRP7QC-N7N7k4xdrgZRZSKiU0zMNi7c05T7dKgv9zUISZ5WY2orjHjdOnHwzB94OtSB6mX7Kq3F77EheGV3xePksr2~fjAgiwkcV8DfWDSRbhg-jmkECYnXCRYAb0VPh-j0U7-sqdCZ6mo9~24Ia03m-BPyJdjIhz2w5L5GtCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee again advanced HB 529 on Monday, a measure intended to curb surprise automatic renewals in consumer contracts and require affirmative consumer consent to extend subscriptions beyond an agreed term.

Representative Dan Barrett, sponsor of the bill, said the aim is to give consumers a clear choice at the end of a subscription period rather than leave the burden on customers to remember to cancel. \"If you are going to make me sign up for an automatic renewal on a long term contract, I want you to give us an option as well to say at the end of that term, it's over,\" Barrett said. He said the bill is not intended to disrupt short month‑to‑month arrangements but acknowledged language might need clarification as it moves through the Senate: \"we would look at finding the appropriate person to carry the bill in the senate and maybe tweak that language to bring additional clarity.\"

Charles Rignanti, representing the Georgia Health and Fitness Association, told the committee his industry supports the bill’s intent but asked for an exemption from an online cancellation requirement. He said month‑to‑month renewals account for \"70 to 80% of total revenue\" for many fitness facilities and operate on tight margins of \"about 10 to 15%,\" and that forcing monthly members to be repeatedly re‑offered automatic renewals or to use website cancellation portals would \"significantly damage member experience\" and be costly for small operators. Rignanti asked the committee to exempt fitness facilities or otherwise narrow the language to target long‑term automatic renewals.

Sponsor Barrett and other committee members, including Representative Osteen and Representative Taylor, said they intend the law to target long‑term subscription renewals and the most problematic practices (for example, annual subscriptions that renew without clear notice). Barrett also said legislative counsel advised short‑term month‑to‑month contracts were not the bill’s target and that the committee could add a notice requirement if a company raises prices \"in a material fashion.\" Barrett told the committee he had discussed industry concerns with stakeholders and legislative counsel and would consider technical changes.

After questions and public testimony, the committee moved and passed LC550567S (the committee substitute/packet number for HB 529) by voice vote and sent the bill to Rules. Committee minutes show the bill passed with members saying \"aye\" on a voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.

What happens next: Sponsors sign required paperwork and prepare technical language revisions as the bill moves to the Senate; fitness industry groups said they will propose an amendment to exempt or clarify treatment of month‑to‑month memberships and to narrow online cancellation requirements.

Votes at a glance: HB 529 — committee substitute (LC550567S); voice vote recorded as \"aye,\" no roll‑call recorded; outcome: passed and reported to Rules.","The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee again advanced HB 529, a bill that would require affirmative consumer consent to renew subscriptions beyond an initial term and add notice and cancellation requirements for automatic renewals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House committee advances bill to bring some private water systems under PSC oversight

Committee holds hearing on HB 265 to restrict certain hemp‑derived intoxicants including delta‑8

Committee passes bill tightening automatic‑renewal rules; fitness operators urge industry exemption