It's not too often that I get behind political issues or involve myself in state legislation. But this morning I recieved an email from a fellow lawyer/good friend urging me to write my state representatives to voice my support of HB 842. And now I'm here urging you to write your state reps (if you live in GA) in support of this bill.
So what is HB 842? What bill would get me to actually write to my state reps? Well a chicken bill. Yes, chicken.
Lauren has 5 hens in her backyard and they lay eggs (duh!) and well, the french toast and egg casserole I've eaten made from these eggs were some of the best I've ever had. So I'd like Lauren to be able to keep her hens. And any other Georgians who want to keep backyard animals, should have that right. So here's to the "Chicken Coop" Bill. Voice your support!
Here was the email:
From: Lauren
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:06 AM
To: [names withheld to protect the innocent]
Subject: If you've got a minute...
Hey all. If you've got a minute, read the below and offer whatever support you can. I don't think I've ever asked anyone to do anything like this, but don't feel like you've got to respond. This is something that is important to me. And you, if you ever want to taste my eggs!
Lauren
Hey Backyard Poultry Buffs,
I received a telephone call this morning from State Representative Bobby Franklin and HB 842, Georgia's Right to Grow, or "Chicken Coop" bill will receive its first hearing. This is a subcommittee hearing, but is the first step toward getting this bill to the floor of the house, and ultimately, into the hands of the Governor.
I specifically asked Representative Franklin the one question that we all want to know, "If this bill passes and is signed into law, will it supersede any local laws, and/or ordinances?" The answer is YES!
Here is what YOU can do to help get this bill passed...
Please send an e-mail to the following State Representatives that sit on this committee...
lee.anderson@house.ga.gov, blackellis@bellsouth.net, jon.burns@house.ga.gov, pat.dooley@house.ga.gov, winfred.dukes@house.ga.gov, carl.epps@house.ga.gov, bharden@planttel.net, michael@voteharden.com, penny.houston@house.ga.gov, lynmore.james@house.ga.gov, kevinlevitas@bellsouth.net, billy.maddox@house.ga.gov, dubose.porter@house.ga.gov, jay.roberts@house.ga.gov, reptonysellier136@msn.com, tommy.smith@house.ga.gov
You can also find YOUR representative by going to the SOS poll locator and entering your address, then call him or her RIGHT THEN and ask them to JOIN Chairman McCall in support of this bill!
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/
This bill is not only about keeping backyard chickens, but also includes other food producing animals and backyard gardens as well, so make sure you mention these in your email. Call everyone you know and ask them to do the same!
I have been invited to speak at the sub-committee hearing on Thursday, February 11th and look forward to doing so. I will also be broadcasting "LIVE" from the State Capital on Wednesday, February 17th, which is Farm Bureau Day. I hope to interview the three State Representatives that are sponsoring HB 842.
As promised, I will keep you up to date on all the details as they become available
And a summary of the bill:
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to agriculture, so as to preempt certain local ordinances relating to production of agricultural or farm products; to protect the right to grow food crops and raise small animals on private property so long as such crops and animals are used for human consumption by the occupants, gardeners, or raisers and their households and not for commercial purposes; to define a term; to provide for effect on certain private agreements and causes of action; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
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