25 LC 59 0074
House Bill 353
By: Representatives Seabaugh of the 34
th
, Carpenter of the 4
th
, Stephens of the 164
th
, Bonner
of the 73
rd
, Westbrook of the 163
rd
, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
1
Department of Community Affairs, so as to enact the "Georgia Music Office and Music2
Ready Communities Act"; to provide for definitions; to create the Georgia Music Office; to3
provide for administration of the office; to provide for duties of the office; to provide for the4
adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations; to provide for an appropriations5
contingency; to provide for related matters; to 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
Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department12
of Community Affairs, is amended by adding a new article to read as follows:13
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"ARTICLE 1414
50-8-310.15
As used in this article, the term:16
(1) 'Commissioner' means the commissioner of community affairs.17
(2) 'Coordinate' means to issue rules, policies, standards, definitions, specifications, and18
other guidance.19
(3) 'Department' means the Department of Community Affairs.20
(4) 'Director' means the director of the office.21
(5) 'Implementation' means planning, writing, drafting, designing, studying, and22
conducting market analysis; soliciting and accepting gifts, contributions, and cooperation;23
contracting, procurement, retention of consultants, and outsourcing; and other activities24
within the ordinary meaning of the term in this context.25
(6) 'Marketing' means promoting, advertising, public relations, press relations, and26
branding; creation, use, and licensing of trademark, copyright, and other intellectual27
property; and other activities of a similar nature or within the term as it is commonly28
understood.29
(7) 'Office' means the Georgia Music Office.30
50-8-311.31
(a) There is established the Georgia Music Office to facilitate the growth of Georgia's32
music industry in communities across this state through state-wide support, promotion, and33
cultivation of Georgia's rich music heritage, musicians, and vibrant music industry.34
(b) The commissioner shall select a director to lead the office. In selecting the director,35
consideration shall be given to individuals who possess extensive knowledge of the many36
aspects of the music industry, including, but not limited to, live touring, recording, and37
distribution, and who possess at least five years of experience in the music industry. The38
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commissioner shall appoint personnel within the department to administer functions of the39
office.40
(c) The office shall:41
(1) Promote the growing production of music in this state, the enjoyment and42
appreciation of the Georgia music industry, and the benefits of visiting and viewing the43
diverse music productions in this state;44
(2) Serve as a music business promotion office and information clearing-house for the45
Georgia music industry through the implementation of a strategic business development46
plan to help music industry professionals and businesses relocate to this state by47
providing resources and acting as a conduit for music related economic and community48
development;49
(3) Coordinate and market specific programs and initiatives to attract music industry50
professionals and to foster the economic and community development of Georgia music51
businesses and musicians;52
(4) Assist in growing Georgia's music industry by providing music industry professionals53
with production contacts in this state; suggesting possible performing, publishing, and54
recording locations; and other activities as may be required to promote this state as a55
national music center;56
(5) Serve as a liaison between music businesses and governmental offices and agencies,57
including workforce development, education, and tourism;58
(6) Publicize significant developments within the industry;59
(7) Develop and market listings of music festivals, productions, and other music events60
being held throughout this state;61
(8) Publicize and market this state's music heritage and culture;62
(9) Facilitate the expansion of the music industry in this state; and63
(10) Certify cities and counties as Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities. Each64
city and county seeking such certification shall be required to host a Music Friendly65
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Georgia workshop to educate local leaders and stakeholders on the office's functions. 66
Upon being certified, such cities and counties shall form an advisory board of local music67
industry stakeholders to promote music related economic development in their68
communities and appoint a Music Friendly Georgia Certified Liaison to liaise with the69
office.70
(d) The office shall be assigned to the department for administrative purposes only, as71
prescribed in Code Section 50-4-3.72
50-8-312.73
(a) Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly or other available funding, the74
department is authorized to adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be75
necessary to carry out this article.76
(b) In its marketing and implementation of marketing for Georgia's music industry, the77
department may exercise its powers under paragraphs (2) and (6) of subsection (b) of Code78
Section 50-8-8 and may authorize and delegate to the office all or part of such powers for79
its own implementation."80
SECTION 3.81
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.82
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