Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB65 Latest Draft

Bill / Introduced Version Filed 01/16/2025

                            25 LC 44 2911
House Bill 65
By: Representatives Moore of the 91
st
, Carpenter of the 4
th
, Dunahoo of the 31
st
, Drenner of
the 85
th
, Crowe of the 118
th
, and others 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
1
relating to other state symbols, so as to designate collard greens as the official state greens,2
with "potlikka" as the official state dipping sauce of the official state bread; to provide3
legislative findings and declarations; to provide for related matters; to provide for a4
contingent effective date and automatic repeal; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other5
purposes.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7
SECTION 1.8
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:9
(1)  The colorful history and traditions of the State of Georgia are inextricably associated10
with the food traditions of root vegetables and greens, which are chock-full of vitamins11
and minerals that are healthy for us, and among the many legacies of this proud heritage12
is the delicious dish and its liquid, a dipping sauce known as collard greens with13
"potlikka";14
(2)  Collard greens' "potlikka" serves as an especially excellent dipping sauce for all15
manner of breads;16
H. B. 65
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(3) During the holidays, tens of thousands of Georgians especially enjoy dipping
17
cornbread, the official Georgia state bread, in their collard greens with "potlikka";18
(4)  Collard greens with "potlikka" enjoy a singular stature in Georgia history and culture19
that is rivaled only by its undeniable appeal as a unique and satisfying food.  Establishing20
collard greens as the official Georgia state greens and "potlikka" as the official Georgia21
state dipping sauce of the official Georgia state bread is necessary to fully recognize the22
importance of this product to this state; and23
(5)  The State of Georgia is the second highest producer in the country of collards, with24
almost 20 percent of the state's farmed acreage and almost 30,000 acres devoted to the25
crop.26
SECTION 2.27
Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other28
state symbols, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:29
"50-3-94.
30
Collard greens are designated as the official Georgia state greens, and 'potlikka' is31
designated as the official Georgia state dipping sauce of the official Georgia state bread."32
SECTION 3.33
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2025, only if an Act to provide for the designation34
of cornbread as the official Georgia state bread becomes effective on or before July 1, 2025. 35
If such an Act does not become law, then this Act shall not become effective and shall stand36
repealed on July 1, 2025.37
SECTION 4.38
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.39
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