Naming & Designating Committee approves House Bill 2,614 to designate festivals as state historical events

The Naming & Designating Committee approved House Bill 2,614 and forwarded it to the State and Local Government committee after a 6-0 recorded vote.

Representative Jones, the bill sponsor identified in the record as "Miss Jones," introduced an amendment she identified as "016051" and explained the measure would name certain local festivals as state historical events to help market the area and draw visitors after flood damage to Rome Mountain. "The amendment is 0 1 6 0 5 1," she said, and later described the bill's intent: "and especially with the flooding, that's going to help them get more visitors back into the area and increase their revenues." The chair called the question, and a tally was recorded as six ayes and zero nos; the committee then voted to send the bill to the State and Local Government committee.

Sponsor remarks framed the bill as a marketing and recovery measure for local festivals. In explaining the festivals, Representative Jones described them as family-oriented events with vendor booths, bands and craft displays, and said some events had been canceled in 2024. Representative Warner praised the proposal as a way to "bring more awareness" and attract visitors to state parks.

The committee closed its proceedings after the vote; no further testimony or opposition was recorded.