ATLANTA – House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) was named by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources.
“I want to thank Speaker Burns for selecting me to lead this study committee to ensure Georgia’s abundant water resources are available for recreational use,” said Whip Burchett. “While Georgia has a set of laws and regulations in place to ensure that its citizens can access and enjoy its freshwater water resources, there have been occasional conflicts with private landowners restricting access. I look forward to examining our current laws to see how we can better balance the rights of both private land owners and outdoor enthusiasts.”
Established by House Resolution 519, the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources will examine the public’s right to fish in Georgia’s freshwater resources and examine any inconsistencies or conflicts in the law between the public’s right to fish and private property rights.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia), Stan Gunter (R-Blairsville), Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), David Jenkins (R-Grantville), David Knight (R-Griffin), Rob Leverett (R-Elberton), Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro), Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) and Al Williams (D-Midway).
The study committee’s meeting information will be archived online here.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes Atkinson and Lanier counties and portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip. He also serves on the Ethics, Judiciary, Judiciary Non-Civil and Transportation committees and as an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee.
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