06 LC 21
8106/AP
House
Bill 343 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By:
Representatives Borders of the
175th,
Black of the
174th,
Shaw of the
176th,
and Houston of the
170th
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to other state symbols, so as to designate the Valdosta
State
Universitýs
Peach State Summer Theatre as
Georgiás
Official Musical Theatre; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other
purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
WHEREAS,
the partnership between Valdosta State University and the Jekyll Island
Authority to produce the Jekyll Island Musical Theatre has been dissolved and
Valdosta State University has moved its summer theatre program to the Valdosta
State University campus as the Peach State Summer Theatre; and
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia has recognized the importance of tourism to the economic
and cultural well-being of its people through the establishment of the
Department of Economic Development; and
WHEREAS,
the enhancement of tourist attractions in Georgia, which would encourage
tourists to extend their stay in Georgia, benefits the state; and
WHEREAS,
many groups in the state are working to improve the quality of artistic and
recreational experiences for Georgia residents and for out-of-state tourists as
well; and
WHEREAS,
the existence of musical theatre is a vital component of the artistic and
cultural life of Georgia; and Georgia is committed to encourage and support
artistś
activities of the highest quality for the enjoyment and enrichment of the
citizens; and
WHEREAS,
Valdosta State University, a unit of the University System of Georgia, has
received a
Regentś
Award for Excellence in the Theatre and has a 15 year history of producing the
Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival, a professional repertory musical theatre
company; and
WHEREAS,
Valdosta State University is moving its summer theatre to Valdosta, Georgia, and
will continue to present musical theatre of outstanding artistry to residents
and tourists; and
WHEREAS,
that summer theatre is named the Peach State Summer Theatre in celebration of
the State of Georgia.
SECTION
2.
Article
3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to other state symbols, is amended by striking in its entirety Code Section
50-3-69, relating to the official musical theatre, and inserting in lieu thereof
the following:
"50-3-69.
(a)
The 'Jekyll
Island Musical
Peach State
Summer Theatre
Festival'
is designated as the official musical theatre of the State of
Georgia.
(b)
The Department of Economic Development and other public agencies and leaders in
the tourism industry are encouraged to work together to maximize advertising
programs which permit citizens of other states and nations to learn of the
Jekyll
Island Musical
Peach State
Summer Theatre
Festival
and to visit the State of Georgia for tourism
purposes."
SECTION
3.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.