House Bill 177

Chair's Name: Lynn Smith

Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

House Sponsor: Martin Scott 

HB 177 changes notification requirements involving archeological and historic sites. Previously, a person who is going to investigate or look for artifacts on one of these sites was required to give the state archeologist five days notice. Under this bill, notice can be given through a website or hotline maintained by the state archeologist.

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Natural Resources & Environment Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Smith's opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This bill lessens the restriction on individuals who search for relics on private property with permission of the owner.  Currently, five days notice must be given to the State Archaeologist before a person may dig for relics on private property.  This bill would reduce the number of days required for notice from five to one.  The State Archaeologist and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are in favor of this bill. 

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

To lessen the bureaucratic burden on relic finders.