reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
GA Code § 46-5-78 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-78. Bylaws of Cooperative Generally

 The board of directors shall adopt the first bylaws of a cooperative to be adopted following an incorporation, conversion, combined consolidation and conversion, merger, or consolidation. Thereafter, the board of directors shall have the power to alter, amend, or repeal the bylaws, or adopt new bylaws, unless such power is reserved exclusively to the members of the cooperative by this part, the articles of incorporation, or bylaws previously adopted by the members; provided, however, that any bylaws adopted by the board of directors may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the members. The members may prescribe that any bylaws adopted by them shall not be altered, amended, or repealed by the board of directors. The members may adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of those members voting thereon at a meeting of the members. The bylaws shall set forth the rights and duties of members, directors, and shareholders, if any, and may contain other provisions for the regulation and management of the affairs of the cooperative not inconsistent with this part or with its articles of incorporation.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 19; Ga. L. 2017, p. 352, § 8/SB 46.)    The 2017 amendment,  effective July 1, 2017, substituted "the board of directors shall have the power to alter, amend, or repeal the bylaws, or adopt new bylaws, unless such power is reserved exclusively to the members of the cooperative by this part, the articles of incorporation, or bylaws previously adopted by the members; provided, however, that any bylaws adopted by the board of directors may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the members. The members may prescribe that any bylaws adopted by them shall not be altered, amended, or repealed by the board of directors. The members may adopt" for "Thereafter, the members shall adopt".   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, § 18.
GA Code § 46-5-79 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-79. Qualifications for Membership in Cooperative; Certificate of Membership; Share Certificates; Payment for Shares of Stock

  Each incorporator of a cooperative shall be a member thereof, but no other person may become a member thereof unless he agrees to use telephone service furnished by the cooperative when it is made available through its facilities. Membership in a cooperative shall be evidenced by a certificate of membership, which shall not be transferable, except as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may prescribe additional qualifications and limitations in respect of membership, provided that ownership of shares of stock, if any are authorized, shall not be a condition of membership in the cooperative.   If the issuance of shares of stock is provided for in the articles of incorporation, ownership of such shares shall be evidenced by share certificates. No share of stock shall be issued except for cash, or for property at its fair value, in an amount equal to the par value of such share of stock.   Membership and share certificates shall contain such provisions, consistent with this part and the articles of incorporation of the cooperative, as shall be prescribed by its bylaws.    (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 20.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, § 19.
GA Code § 46-5-80 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-80. Meetings of Members - Generally

  An annual meeting of the members of a cooperative shall be held at such time and place as shall be provided in the bylaws.   Special meetings of the members may be called by the president, by the board of directors, by any three directors, or by not less than 200 members or 10 percent of all members, whichever is less.   Except as otherwise provided in this part, written or printed notice stating the time and place of each meeting of the members and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given to each member, either personally or by mail, not less than ten days nor more than 25 days before the date of the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the member at his address as it appears on the records of the cooperative.   Unless the bylaws prescribe the presence of a greater percentage or number of the members for a quorum, a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the members of a cooperative having not more than 500 members shall be 10 percent of all members present in person. A quorum for a cooperative having more than 500 members shall be 50 members or 2 percent of all members, whichever is greater, present in person. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority of those present in person may adjourn the meeting to another time without the giving of notice of such later meeting to absent members.   Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. Voting shall be in person, but, if the bylaws so provide, may also be by mail.    (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 21.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, § 19.
GA Code § 46-5-81 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-81. Meetings of Members - Waiver of Notice

 Any person entitled to notice of a meeting may waive such notice in writing either before or after such meeting. If any such person attends such meeting, such attendance shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, unless such person participates therein solely to object to the transaction of any business because the meeting has not been legally called or convened.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 22.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.
GA Code § 46-5-83 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-83. Division of Service Territory Into Districts; Election of District Delegates; Boundaries of Districts; Voting by Members at District Meetings and by District Delegates at Any Meeting

 The bylaws may provide for the division of the territory served or to be served by a cooperative into two or more districts for any purpose, including, without limitation, the nomination and election of directors and the election and functioning of district delegates. Such delegates, who shall be members, may nominate and elect directors. The bylaws shall prescribe the boundaries of the districts or the manner of establishing such boundaries, the manner of changing such boundaries, and the manner in which such districts shall function. No member at any district meeting, and no district delegate at any meeting, shall vote by proxy or by mail.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 24.)
GA Code § 46-5-84 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-84. Officers of Cooperative

 The officers of a cooperative shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, who shall be elected annually by and from the board of directors. When a person holding any such office ceases to be a director, he shall cease to hold such office. The offices of secretary and of treasurer may be held by the same person. The board of directors may also elect or appoint such other officers, agents, or employees as it deems necessary or advisable and shall prescribe their powers and duties. Any officer may be removed from office and his successor elected in the manner prescribed in the bylaws.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 25.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, §§ 18, 19.
GA Code § 46-5-85 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-85. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation

  A cooperative may amend its articles of incorporation by complying with the requirements of this Code section, provided that a change of location of principal office may be effected in the manner set forth in Code Section 46-5-86.   The proposed amendment shall be presented to a meeting of the members, the notice of which shall set forth or have attached thereto the proposed amendment. If the proposed amendment, with any changes, is approved by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members voting thereon at such meeting, articles of amendment shall be executed and acknowledged on behalf of the cooperative by its president or vice-president, and its seal shall be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary.   The articles of amendment shall recite that they are executed pursuant to this part and shall state:   The name of the cooperative;   The address of its principal office; and   The amendment to its articles of incorporation.     The president or vice-president executing such articles of amendment shall make and annex thereto an affidavit stating that the provisions of this Code section in regard to the amendment set forth in such articles were duly complied with.   An application for approval of the articles of amendment, which application shall include such articles and the prescribed affidavits and which shall be signed and acknowledged by the president or vice-president of the cooperative, shall be presented to and approved by the superior court, or the judge thereof in vacation, filed with the clerk of the superior court of the county in which the principal office of the cooperative is located and with the Secretary of State, and published, in the same manner as an application for incorporation. The fees to be paid at the time of such filing shall be as prescribed in Code Section 46-5-100. Upon such filing, the amendment shall be deemed to be effective.    (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 26.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, § 18.
GA Code § 46-5-86 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-86. Change of Location of Principal Office

 A cooperative may, upon authorization of its members or board of directors, change the location of its principal office by compliance with the requirements of this Code section. An application for approval of such change shall be presented to and approved by the superior court of the county in which the principal office of the cooperative is to be located, or to the judge of the superior court in vacation. Upon approval, the application and approval shall be filed with the clerk of the superior court of that county and with the Secretary of State and shall be published in the same manner as an application for incorporation. The application, together with the approval of the judge thereon, shall also be filed with the clerk of the superior court of each county in which the principal office of the cooperative has previously been located. The fees to be paid at the time of such filing shall be as prescribed in Code Section 46-5-100.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 27.)
GA Code § 46-5-89 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-89. Effect of Consolidation or Merger

  In the case of a consolidation, the existence of the consolidating cooperatives shall cease, and the articles of consolidation shall be deemed to be the articles of incorporation of the new cooperative. In the case of a merger, the separate existence of the merging cooperatives shall cease and the articles of incorporation of the surviving cooperative shall be deemed to be amended to the extent, if any, that changes therein are provided for in the articles of merger.   All the rights, privileges, immunities, and franchises, and all property, both real and personal, including, without limitation, applications for membership, all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses in action of each of the consolidating or merging cooperatives shall be deemed to be transferred to and vested in the new or surviving cooperative without further act or deed.   The new or surviving cooperative shall be responsible and liable for all the liabilities and obligations of each of the consolidating or merging cooperatives; and any claim existing, or any action or proceeding pending, by or against any of the consolidating or merging cooperatives may be prosecuted as if the consolidation or merger had not taken place; but the new or surviving cooperative may be substituted in its place.   Neither the rights of creditors nor any liens upon the property of any of such cooperatives shall be impaired by such consolidation or merger.    (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 30.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, § 26.
GA Code § 46-5-92 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-92. Operation of Cooperatives on Nonprofit Basis; Contents of Bylaws and of Contracts With Members and Patrons Regarding Nonprofit Operation

 A cooperative shall be operated on a nonprofit basis for the mutual benefit of its members and patrons. The bylaws of a cooperative or its contracts with members and patrons shall contain such provisions relative to the disposition of revenues and receipts as may be necessary and appropriate to establish and maintain its nonprofit and cooperative character. In the case of a cooperative authorized to issue shares of stock, such bylaws or contracts shall provide that no moneys shall be paid or credits given on the basis of patronage except after the declaration or payment of dividends on the outstanding shares of stock in accordance with the articles of incorporation of the cooperative; and such bylaws or contracts shall otherwise be consistent with the cooperative's obligations in regard to such shares of stock.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 33.)   RESEARCH REFERENCES   Am. Jur. 2d.   - 74 Am. Jur. 2d, Telecommunications, § 5.   C.J.S.   - 86 C.J.S., Telecommunications, §§ 21, 22.
GA Code § 46-5-92.1 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-92.1. Payment of Revenues; Priority of Payments

  Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, upon the death of a member or former member who is a natural person, the board of directors shall have authority, but shall not be required, to pay revenues allocated but not previously paid to such member or former member.   If the member or former member dies testate, such payments shall be made to the person who is the executor of the estate of the decedent at the time of the payment.   If the member or former member dies intestate and the cooperative is provided a copy of letters of administration for the estate of the decedent, such payments shall be made to the administrator of the estate named therein.   If the member or former member dies intestate and the cooperative is not provided a copy of letters of administration of the estate of the deceased and such payment is $2,500.00 or less, such payment shall be made to the persons listed below and according to the priority indicated:   To the surviving spouse of the decedent;   If no surviving spouse, then to the surviving children of the decedent, pro rata;   If no surviving children, then to the surviving mother and father of the decedent, pro rata; or   If no surviving parent, then to the surviving brothers and sisters of the decedent, pro rata.     If the member or former member dies intestate and the cooperative is not provided a copy of the letters of administration and such payment is greater than $2,500.00, such payment shall be made to the person entitled thereto under the laws of descent and distribution of this state.   Payment to the persons listed in subsections (b) through (e) of this Code section shall operate as a complete acquittal and discharge to the cooperative from any action, claim, or demand of whatever nature for the amount so paid by any heir, distributee, or creditor of the decedent or any other person. Payment to such persons is authorized to be made as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this Code section without the administration of the estate of the decedent and without the necessity of obtaining an order that no administration is necessary.     (Code 1981, §46-5-92.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2017, p. 352, § 9/SB 46.)
GA Code § 46-5-93 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-93. Pledging or Encumbering of Property, Assets, Rights, and Privileges of Cooperative by Board of Directors to Secure Indebtedness to Federal Government; Tax Exemption for Mortgages and Deeds of Trust; Sale, Pledge, or Encumbrance of Property

  In order to secure any indebtedness of the cooperative to the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, the board of directors of a cooperative shall have full power and authority, without authorization by the members thereof, to authorize the execution and delivery of mortgages or deeds of trust of, or the pledging or encumbering of, any or all of the property, assets, rights, privileges, licenses, franchises, and permits, wherever situated, of the cooperative, as well as the revenues therefrom, all upon such terms and conditions as the board of directors shall determine. Any such mortgage or deed of trust shall be exempt from any mortgage recordation tax imposed by this state.   A cooperative may not otherwise sell, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of or encumber all or a substantial portion of its property unless such sale, mortgage, lease, or other disposition or encumbrance is authorized by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the cooperative, provided that notwithstanding any other provision of this part or any other provision of law, the board of directors may, upon the authorization of a majority of those members of the cooperative present at a meeting of the members thereof, the notice of which shall have set forth the proposed action, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its property to another cooperative or a foreign corporation doing business in this state pursuant to this part, or to the holders of any notes, bonds, or other evidences of indebtedness issued to the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof.    (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 34.)
GA Code § 46-5-94 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-94. Liability of Members and Shareholders for Debts of Cooperative

 No member or shareholder shall be liable or responsible for any debts of the cooperative; and the property of the members and shareholders shall not be subject to execution therefor.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 35.)
GA Code § 46-5-95 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-95. Effect of Recordation of Mortgage, Deed of Trust, or Other Instrument of Real and Personal Property of Cooperative

 Any mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument executed by a cooperative or foreign corporation doing business in this state pursuant to this part, which mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument affects real and personal property and which is recorded in the real property records in any county in which such property is located or is to be located, shall have the same force and effect as if the mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument were also recorded, filed, or indexed as provided by law in the proper office in such county as a mortgage of personal property, provided that such instrument shall be indexed on the chattel mortgage record of the county although recorded already upon the real estate mortgage record. All after-acquired property of such cooperative or foreign corporation, which property is described or referred to as being mortgaged or pledged in any such mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument, shall become subject to the lien thereof immediately upon the acquisition of such property by such cooperative or foreign corporation, whether or not such property was in existence at the time of the execution of such mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument. Recordation of any such mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument shall constitute notice and otherwise have the same effect with respect to such after-acquired property as it has, under the laws relating to recordation, with respect to property owned by such cooperative or foreign corporation at the time of the execution of such mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument and therein described or referred to as being mortgaged or pledged thereby.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 36.)
GA Code § 46-5-96 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 46 - Public Utilities and Public Transportation|Chapter 5 - Telephone Service|Article 2 - Telephone Service|Part 3 - Rural Telephone Cooperatives|§ 46-5-96. Construction Standards

 Construction of telephone lines and facilities by a cooperative shall, as a minimum requirement, comply with the standards of the National Electrical Code in effect at the time of such construction and shall be in such manner and according to such specifications as will avoid interference with or hazards to existing telephone lines, facilities, or systems.   (Ga. L. 1950, p. 192, § 37.)