Where property rights start and end between neighbors has long been a thorny issue.

Legislation being debated at the state Capitol would tip rights strongly in favor of farmers, who say they need protection from nuisance lawsuits as Georgia’s population grows.

Critics say it diminishes other property owners’ rights and could spawn huge animal-feeding operations like those in neighboring North Carolina that disrupt communities and hurt the environment.

Featured

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testifies before a state Senate committee at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC