Georgia lawmakers approve bill to rename Georgia Development Authority as agricultural body

A bill sponsored by State Sen. Russ Goodman received passage in both legislative chambers and seeks to clarify the agency’s agricultural mission by renaming the Georgia Development Authority as the Georgia Agricultural Development Authority, according to the Georgia State Senate.

The measure cleared both chambers on Monday, March 16, with a 154-0 vote in the House and a 47-0 vote in the Senate.

Filed as SB435 on Wednesday, Jan. 28, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill was titled: ‘Georgia Development Authority; rename as the Georgia Agricultural Development Authority.’

The following summary is based on the actual bill text and may include interpretation for clarity.

Essentially, the legislation substitutes the name Georgia Development Authority with Georgia Agricultural Development Authority throughout the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This change covers code sections regarding the Emerging Crops Fund, mortgage lender exemptions, employee benefits and retirement, state financing and investment, and the authority’s establishment, responsibilities, powers, and assets. The bill aims to better reflect the agency’s agricultural identity. All conflicting statutes are repealed.

Senate approval came from 18 Democrats and 29 Republicans, with no votes opposed.

In the House, 59 Democrats and 95 Republicans supported the bill, with no opposition recorded.

Rep. Steven Meeks (Republican-178th), Sen. John Albers (Republican-56th), and Sen. Jason Anavitarte (Republican-31st) co-sponsored the bill alongside 26 additional co-sponsors.

Goodman earned a BS from the University of Georgia.

Goodman, a Republican, has represented Georgia’s 8th Senate District since his election to the Georgia State Senate in 2021, succeeding former senator Ellis Black.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Wednesday, May 6.

Georgia’s legislative process typically starts when a lawmaker, often acting at a constituent’s request, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft legislation. After submission to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill is read and referred to committee for detailed consideration. With committee approval, the bill proceeds to the floor for additional readings, debate, and a vote. To be enacted, a bill must pass both chambers—which may involve a conference committee if amendments differ—before going to the governor. The governor has six days during session, or up to 40 days following adjournment (Sine Die), to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly sits for a 40-day session each year starting the second Monday of January.

Information for this report was provided by the Georgia State Senate. The original data is available here.