Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Waterways And Boating topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves removing 9.9-horsepower motor limit on Bogiche River in House Bill 1266
Summary
Mister Ridley presented House Bill 1266 (LC600277) to remove a decades-old 9.9-horsepower restriction on a portion of the Bogiche/Ogeechee River. Committee members said the department had no objections and noted community petitions; the committee passed a motion by voice vote, with exact motion wording and vote counts not recorded in the transcript.
Mister Ridley told the committee House Bill 1266 (LC600277) would remove a restriction that limits motors to 9.9 horsepower on one section of the Bogiche River, a condition he said dates from 30–40 years ago.
Ridley said the change is narrowly targeted. "That's the only place in the state of Georgia that's like that," he said, describing the provision as an outdated exception to statewide motor limits. He told the committee modern boat motors have evolved and the older restriction no longer reflects current technology.
A committee member said petitions were circulated by community members who asked for the change on that stretch of the Ogeechee River. That same speaker also said the department has no problems with the change. The transcript records the department’s position as "no problems" but does not include a named commissioner or detailed departmental testimony in this session.
A committee member moved to pass the bill; the motion was seconded and the committee approved it by a voice vote with members saying "aye." The transcript does not provide the exact motion text or identify the mover and seconder by name.
The transcript does not record subsequent procedural scheduling or when the bill will next appear on the calendar.
