Georgia House bill by Rep. Hagan allowing fluorescent pink for hunting safety passes House and Senate

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Leesa Hagan aims to expand hunting safety options by permitting fluorescent pink garments and requiring written permission for hunting on another’s land, following approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Thursday, March 13, clearing the House by a vote of 159-0 and the Senate by a vote of 50-0.

The bill, introduced as HB167 on Wednesday, Jan. 29 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Game and fish; authorize fluorescent pink hunting outer garments’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the hunting regulations in Georgia by allowing hunters to wear fluorescent pink garments as an alternative to fluorescent orange for increased visibility during hunting activities. It specifies that when hunting feral hogs, deer, or bears, or when accompanying hunters in these activities, individuals must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent material above the waistline, which can include a head covering, during firearms and primitive weapons seasons. Additionally, it mandates that hunting on another’s land requires prior written permission carried on the person. The bill’s other sections address the repeal of any conflicting laws.

In the House, 62 Democrats and 97 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 18 Democrats and 32 Republicans voted in favor, also with no opposing votes.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Chas Cannon (Republican-172nd), Rep. Matt Dubnik (Republican-29th), and Rep. Chuck Efstration (Republican-104th), along with two other co-sponsors.

Hagan graduated from the University of Georgia in 1995 with a BS.

Hagan, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 156th House District, replacing previous state representative Greg Morris.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday, May 9.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.