Georgia House bill authored by Rep. Smith to create advanced technology commission for semiconductor industry passes House and Senate

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Vance Smith aims to form the Georgia CHIPS and Advanced Technology Commission to foster collaboration and strategic planning in the state’s semiconductor industry, following approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Monday, March 31, clearing the House by a vote of 163-2 and the Senate by a vote of 50-2.

The bill, introduced as HB216 on Thursday, Jan. 30 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Richard H. Smith Georgia CHIPS Advancement in Research and Economic Development Act; enact’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by creating the Georgia CHIPS and Advanced Technology Commission, tasked with fostering collaboration across the semiconductor industry and leveraging the expertise of educational institutions and nonprofits to develop strategic plans for ongoing semiconductor innovation. The commission will advise on attracting investments, expand workforce training opportunities, sustain leadership in advanced semiconductor technology, and encourage local government support for the industry. It will replace the Georgia CHIPS and Advanced Technology Consortium and is scheduled to be abolished on June 30, 2028. The bill will take effect upon approval by the governor or becoming law without such approval.

In the House, 73 Democrats and 90 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while two Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 20 Democrats and 30 Republicans voted in favor, while two Republicans voted against it.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Debbie Buckner (Democrat-137th), Rep. Jon Burns (Republican-159th), and Rep. Carolyn Hugley (Democrat-141st), along with three other co-sponsors.

Smith graduated from Columbus State University in 1974 with a BS.

Smith, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 138th House District, replacing previous state representative John Pezold.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, May 13.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.