Representative Bell introduces bill to name lemon pepper the state chicken wing flavor

Representative Bell presented House Bill 1013 to the Special Rules Committee to designate lemon pepper as the state chicken wing flavor, saying the seasoning is a statewide cultural marker and an economic draw for neighborhood restaurants.

"Today, I'm here to present House Bill 10 13, which is to designate lemon peppers, the state chicken wing flavor," Representative Bell said, arguing the measure follows past state designations such as the Cherokee rose and the pecan. He told the committee that the Georgia Restaurant Association provided a letter supporting the proposal and that cosponsors come from across the state.

Bell said the designation would celebrate "Georgia pride" and promote small businesses and culinary tourism by encouraging visitors to seek out local restaurants that claim the best lemon pepper wings.

A committee member asked where the wings brought to the room were purchased; Bell said they came from the American Deli City Hall location. The hearing was "for discussion only," and Representative Bell asked that the committee vote the bill out of committee favorably at a future date. No committee vote on HB 1013 was recorded in the transcript of this hearing.

The bill, as presented, is largely symbolic and focuses on state recognition and promotion rather than regulatory or budgetary changes. Representative Bell said he is seeking a favorable committee report; the committee did not take formal action on the bill during this session.