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Legislation that would create a statewide music office to promote the industry in Georgia cleared a state House committee Tuesday.

The House Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee approved House Bill 353, which would establish the Georgia Music Office within the state Department of Community Affairs. The measure also would create a Music Ready Communities program to help local governments develop strategies for promoting music as an economic development tool.

The statewide music office would serve as a hub for coordinating efforts to build on Georgia’s rich musical history, Rep. Devan Seabaugh, R-Marietta, told members of the committee before Tuesday’s vote.

“While our talent is undeniable, the infrastructure to support, grow, and brand our music industry is missing a key piece,” he said. “We have an opportunity to cement Georgia’s status as a music powerhouse.”

The committee approved similar legislation two years ago, based on the work of a joint House-Senate study committee that held several hearings in 2022. But the bill never made it to the House floor for a vote.

Another effort in 2023 to renew a music industry tax credit aimed at luring music producers to Georgia also fizzled, and the credit expired at the end of that year.

House Bill 353 is modeled after a statewide music office created by lawmakers in Texas.

“We’ve seen it work in places like Austin, Texas, and Asheville, N.C.,” Seabaugh said. “Georgia has just as much musical heritage and potential if not more. (But) we lack a central office to advocate for, promote, and protect our musicians, venues, and industry professionals.”

Brian Hudson, a lobbyist representing Georgia Music Partners, the state’s leading music industry advocacy organization, said a statewide music office would work to attract studios, production facilities, and performance venues that could keep Georgia graduates with music degrees from moving to Nashville or other music hubs to pursue their careers.

“We have so many great artists from Georgia, but they leave,” he said. “We could potentially keep these students in Georgia.”

Seabaugh said the music office could be launched with about $2.5 million in state funds, including the salary of a director who would head the office.

The bill heads next to the House Rules Committee to schedule a floor vote.