Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story

A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.

Backers of the proposal point to major headwinds facing timber producers in recent years, including multiple mill shutdowns and widespread losses tied to Hurricane Helene. State forestry data cited by supporters shows roughly 1.5 million acres of forestland were damaged in 2024, contributing to an estimated $1.28 billion impact to the industry, while Georgia’s forestry sector remains among the nation’s leaders in harvest volume and exports.

Efstration said the tax change could cost the state up to $18 million per year, with the state potentially reimbursing counties, cities, and school districts for some or all lost local revenue. If the measure clears a two-thirds vote in both the Georgia House and Senate, the amendment would head to voters statewide on the November ballot.