Committee advances bill adding hunting apparel options, citing DNR support

State Rep. Lisa Hagen, House District 156, brought House Bill 167 (LC442932) before the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee, saying the measure "expands some hunting options for Georgians." She told the committee the proposal revisits required fluorescent-orange apparel rules and offers additional options for hunters.

"I have for you, a bill that I brought to this committee last year, House Bill 167, expands some hunting options for Georgians," Lisa Hagen said when she presented the bill.

The bill text and committee discussion referenced current orange-visibility requirements; the transcript noted both "500 square inches" and "100 square inches" as current measures during the exchange. Committee members asked clarifying questions; a committee member moved that the bill "do pass." A representative of the Department of Natural Resources told the panel, "We support you. We support you."

After brief discussion the committee took a voice/hand-raise vote and advanced the bill. Senator Echols agreed to carry the bill on the Senate floor.

Why it matters: The bill would change how hunters comply with visibility requirements and could affect hunter equipment and enforcement; committee members framed the proposal as supporting hunting participation and Department of Natural Resources programs.

The committee record does not show a roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion was made and seconded and the committee chair called for those in favor to raise their hands, after which the chair announced the item passed.

No statutory citations, specific enforcement changes, or effective dates were read into the record during the committee presentation. The LC number for the bill is LC442932 and was provided during the hearing.

What’s next: The committee advanced the bill and a senator agreed to carry it to the Senate floor for further consideration.