Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB14 Latest Draft

Bill / Comm Sub Version Filed 03/31/2025

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The Senate Committee on Rules offered the following 
substitute to HB 14:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government,1
so as to enact the "Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act"; to create the2
Georgia Music Office; to provide for administration of the office; to provide for duties of the3
office; to provide for the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations; to provide for4
an appropriations contingency; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to5
repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7
SECTION 1.8
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Music Office and Music Ready9
Communities Act."10
SECTION 2.11
Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, is amended12
in Chapter 7, relating to the Department of Economic Development, by adding a new article13
to read as follows:14
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"ARTICLE 1115
50-7-130.16
As used in this article, the term:17
(1)  'Commissioner' means the commissioner of economic development.18
(2)  'Coordinate' means to issue rules, policies, standards, definitions, specifications, and19
other guidance.20
(3)  'Department' means the Department of Economic Development.21
(4)  'Director' means the director of the office.22
(5) 'Implementation' means planning, writing, drafting, designing, studying, and23
conducting market analysis; soliciting and accepting gifts, contributions, and cooperation;24
contracting, procurement, retention of consultants, and outsourcing; and other activities25
within the ordinary meaning of the term in this context.26
(6)  'Marketing' means promoting, advertising, public relations, press relations, and27
branding; creation, use, and licensing of trademark, copyright, and other intellectual28
property; and other activities of a similar nature or within the term as it is commonly29
understood.30
(7)  'Office' means the Georgia Music Office.31
50-7-131.32
(a)  There is established the Georgia Music Office to facilitate the growth of Georgia's33
music industry in communities across this state through state-wide support, promotion, and34
cultivation of Georgia's rich music heritage, musicians, and vibrant music industry.35
(b)  The commissioner shall select a director to lead the office.  In selecting the director,36
consideration shall be given to individuals who possess extensive knowledge of the many37
aspects of the music industry, including, but not limited to, live touring, recording, and38
distribution, and who possess at least five years of experience in the music industry.  The39
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commissioner shall appoint personnel within the department to administer functions of the40
office.41
(c)  The office shall:42
(1) Promote the growing production of music in this state, the enjoyment and43
appreciation of the Georgia music industry, and the benefits of visiting and viewing the44
diverse music productions in this state;45
(2)  Serve as a music business promotion office and information clearing-house for the46
Georgia music industry through the implementation of a strategic business development47
plan to help music industry professionals and businesses relocate to this state by48
providing resources and acting as a conduit for music related economic and community49
development;50
(3)  Coordinate and market specific programs and initiatives to attract music industry51
professionals and to foster the economic and community development of Georgia music52
businesses and musicians;53
(4)  Assist in growing Georgia's music industry by providing music industry professionals54
with production contacts in this state; suggesting possible performing, publishing, and55
recording locations; and other activities as may be required to promote this state as a56
national music center;57
(5)  Serve as a liaison between music businesses and governmental offices and agencies,58
including workforce development, education, and tourism;59
(6)  Publicize significant developments within the industry;60
(7)  Develop and market listings of music festivals, productions, and other music events61
being held throughout this state;62
(8)  Publicize and market this state's music heritage and culture; and63
(9)  Establish a Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities Program.  Each city and64
county seeking such certification shall be required to host a Music Friendly Georgia65
workshop to educate local leaders and stakeholders on the office's functions.  Upon being66
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certified, such cities and counties shall form an advisory board of local music industry67
stakeholders to promote music related economic development in their communities and68
appoint a Music Friendly Georgia Certified Liaison to liaise with the office.69
(d)  The office shall be assigned to the department for administrative purposes only, as70
prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3.71
50-7-132.72
(a)  Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly or other available funding, the73
department is authorized to adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be74
necessary to carry out this article.75
(b)  In its marketing and implementation of marketing for Georgia's music industry, the76
department may exercise its powers under Code Sections 50-7-10, 50-7-11, and 50-7-11.1,77
and may authorize and delegate to the office all or part of such powers for its own78
implementation."79
SECTION 3.80
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.81
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