Committee advances bill to remove state rate-setting for household movers
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Summary
The committee advanced HB 204 to eliminate state-set maximum mileage rates for household movers, leaving licensing and safety oversight with the Department of Public Safety; movers’ association testified in favor, arguing market rates better reflect fuel and labor costs.
The House Motor Vehicles Committee advanced House Bill 204 after supporters said the measure simply removes language that allows the state to set movers’ rates and instead permits market-based pricing for household goods moves.
Sponsor Dale Washburn told the committee HB 204 is brief and limited in scope, striking a small number of words from current law to remove state control over movers’ fees. Lee Lemke, representing the Georgia Movers Association, told members the industry historically operated under a state tariff that set maximum mileage rates and that they want the marketplace to determine prices while remaining under Department of Public Safety oversight for licensing, insurance and safety.
Committee members asked how consumers would seek redress if they had complaints about movers’ rates or service. The sponsor and association representatives said the Department of Public Safety would continue to handle licensing, complaint processes and maintain a list or ratings of licensed movers; they advised consumers to seek multiple bids. The association noted the state sees tens of thousands of household moves a year and that the movers represented by their membership perform a large share of those moves.
A motion was made and seconded to advance HB 204; the committee approved the bill by voice vote. The transcript records the voice vote but does not include a roll-call tally.
The bill will proceed to the next stage of legislative consideration.
