Georgians to decide on creation of dedicated fund to protect green space
Georgia voters will be asked whether the state should create a dedicated source of money to pay for the conservation of green space.
The state Senate gave final passage to two pieces of legislation Thursday that would ask voters whether they want to create the fund.
If they are signed into law, Georgians will be asked whether they think 80 percent of tax revenue collected from sporting goods stores should be set aside in a new Georgia Stewardship Trust Fund.
House Bill 332 would allow the state to use that money to maintain, restore or purchase land, waterways or parks for conservation purposes.
House Resolution 238 puts a question on a ballot this year asking voters whether they believe the state's constitution should be amended to allow the tax revenue to be set aside.
State law doesn’t allow lawmakers to earmark money to be collected for certain purposes without asking Georgians to amend the Georgia Constitution.
The legislation heads to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk for his consideration.
Stay on top of what’s happening in Georgia government and politics at PoliticallyGeorgia.com.
About the Author
Maya T. Prabhu covers the Georgia Senate and statewide issues as a government reporter for The AJC. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in northern Virginia, Maya attended Spelman College and then the University of Maryland for a master's degree. She writes about social issues, the criminal justice system and legislative politics.
