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GA SB407

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/4/2020

Primary Sponsor

Tyler Harper

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2019-2020 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Sellers of saw palmetto berries (fruit of Serenoa repens) must obtain and present a certificate of harvest signed by the landowner to any dealer, including the landowner's contact information, authorized harvester details, and harvest dates and location, valid for up to one year
  • Persons involved in palmetto berry procurement must maintain detailed records of all harvest activities and purchase transactions—including weights, payment documentation, and copies of personal identification—for at least two years
  • The State Forestry Commission director or law enforcement may issue stop harvest, stop sale, stop use, or removal orders and seize berries obtained or offered for sale in violation of the article, with court-ordered condemnation and disposal available through superior court
  • Violations involving berries valued under $1,500 are a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and/or 12 months in jail; violations involving $1,500 or more are a felony punishable by fines of $1,500–$5,000 and/or up to three years imprisonment, with restitution to the landowner also available
  • Landowners harvesting saw palmetto berries for home or personal use are exempt from the article's requirements

Legislative Description

Forest Resources and Other Plant Life; harvest and sale of palmetto berries; regulate

Last Action

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

6/25/2020

Full Bill Text

No bill text available