House agrees to Senate substitute for Hurricane Helene timber relief; suspends severance tax for affected quarters

The Georgia House on Friday agreed to the Senate substitute for House Bill 223, a Hurricane Helene relief measure that includes a temporary suspension of the timber severance tax for affected counties.

Explanation from the floor: Representative Whit Burchett explained the Senate addition: counties may suspend the severance tax on timber harvested in the affected period (final quarter of 2024 and calendar year 2025) and the Department of Revenue will reimburse counties for the foregone revenue based on a three‑year average price. Burchett said the suspension helps counties that otherwise would receive lower payments because storm‑damaged timber has a reduced market value.

Key details and limitations: Burchett said participation by a county is permissive — local governments are not required to suspend the tax — and the reimbursement formula uses the previous three‑year average price to calculate county reimbursement. He also said a fiscal note exists but did not provide the total state cost on the floor; he offered to supply that estimate to members.

Questions: Representatives asked whether the suspension is optional (yes), and whether the suspension is time‑limited (the sponsor said it covers the last quarter of 2024 and all of 2025). Representative Jasmine Clark specifically asked about a sunset; Burchett confirmed the limited time frame.

Vote and process: On the motion that the House agree to the Senate substitute, the clerk announced the yays as 153 and nays 0; the House therefore agreed to the Senate substitute to House Bill 223.

Next steps: With the House agreement to the Senate substitute the bill proceeds under the usual legislative process; sponsors said the measure targets timber farmers and counties affected by storm damage and aims to avoid forcing sales at depressed market prices.