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Senate renames development authority to emphasize agriculture; SB 435 passes unanimously
Summary
The Senate voted to rename the Georgia Development Authority as the Georgia Agricultural Development Authority, returning 'agriculture' to the agency's name and clarifying bonding authority for farm infrastructure; recorded yeas 47, nays 0.
Senators on Feb. 10 approved Senate Bill 435 to rename the Georgia Development Authority as the Georgia Agricultural Development Authority and make conforming changes to reflect agricultural lending and bonding needs.
Senator Russ Goodman, speaking in support, said the change "asks that we put agriculture back in the name because our friends at the GDA are getting phone calls from mayors and county commissioners wanting to borrow money for infrastructure and the Georgia development authority is for farmers." He argued the rename corrects a historical omission and helps mayors and county commissioners seeking financing for water and sewer projects for farming communities.
The committee on agricultural and consumer affairs reported the bill favorably and the Senate agreed to the committee report. On passage the secretary announced yeas 47 and nays 0; the measure "having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed."
Supporters framed the change as restoring historical accuracy and clarifying the authority's mission so local governments and farmers can access infrastructure financing. No floor amendments were recorded in the transcript.
The bill proceeds to the next steps of the legislative process for enrollment and transmittal.
