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PRESS RELEASE: Georgia Music Office Bill Heads to Governor Kemp’s Desk Following Overwhelming Legislative Approval
Measure Would Establish Statewide Music Office and “Music Ready Communities” Program to Support Industry Growth
ATLANTA — April 2, 2026 — Georgia’s music industry reached a major milestone yesterday as the Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act (HB 14) passed the Georgia General Assembly with strong bipartisan support. The bill passed the State Senate 47–9 and the House 161–5 and now heads to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for signature.
Led by State Senator Sonya Halpern, Representative Casey Carpenter and championed by music industry across the state as well as Georgia Music Partners leadership, including Mala Sharma and Brian Hudson, the legislation represents a significant step forward in formalizing Georgia’s approach to supporting and growing its music industry.
If signed into law, the bill will establish a statewide music office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development to promote industry growth, attract talent, and serve as a central hub for Georgia’s music ecosystem. The legislation would also create a “Music Ready Communities” certification program designed to help cities and counties strengthen local music economies through targeted development, resources, and industry alignment.
“Georgia has long been a music powerhouse. By establishing a statewide Music Office and advancing Music Ready Communities, we are putting structure around an industry that already drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs,” said bill sponsor State Senator Sonya Halpern. “This legislation positions Georgia to compete—and lead—in the next generation of the creative economy.”
Georgia’s music industry contributes billions annually to the state’s economy, with an estimated $5 billion impact and more than 70,000 Georgians working across recording, touring, production, and a growing network of creative and technical roles. The state is also home to 48 post-secondary programs training the next generation of music industry talent — further reinforcing the need for coordinated infrastructure to support long-term growth.
“This has been years in the making, and it reflects the strength of Georgia’s music community coming together with a shared vision,” said Georgia Music Partners President and Co-Founder Mala Sharma. “By establishing a statewide music office and creating pathways for local communities to engage, Georgia is recognizing music not just as culture, but as a key part of our economic infrastructure and future growth of the entertainment industry in our state.”
The effort has been supported by a broad coalition of industry and business leaders, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber, The Recording Academy, and the Recording Industry Association of America. The legislation will help align state and local efforts, provide new tools for community-level growth, and strengthen Georgia’s ability to compete for music-related business, talent, and investment.
Interviews with GMP leadership, State Senator Halpern, and Representative Carpenter are available upon request.
ABOUT GEORGIA MUSIC PARTNERS: Georgia Music Partners (GMP) is a not-for-profit advocacy organization with the mission to promote the growth and success of Georgia’s music industry through partnerships and workforce development. GMP has been instrumental in leading efforts at local, city and state levels, from conducting economic impact studies and white papers, to passing the Georgia Music Investment Act in 2017. GMP continues to work proactively with city, county and state leaders to advance policy and legislative initiatives to protect, grow and market opportunities for the 70,000 music industry professionals and 10,000 music industry businesses around the state. Stay in the conversation via Instagram and LinkedIn.
