reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
GA Code § 21-5-7 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-7. Initiation of Complaints

 The commission shall not initiate any investigation or inquiry into any matter under its jurisdiction based upon the complaint of any person unless that person shall produce the same in writing and verify the same under oath to the best information, knowledge, and belief of such person, the falsification of which shall be punishable as false swearing under Code Section 16-10-71. The person against whom any complaint is made shall be furnished by hand delivery or statutory overnight delivery or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy of the complaint by the commission within two business days of the commission's receipt of such complaint and prior to any other public dissemination of such complaint. Nothing in this Code section, however, shall be construed to limit or encumber the right of the commission to initiate on probable cause an investigation on its own cognizance as it deems necessary to fulfill its obligations under this chapter.    (Code 1981, §21-5-7, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 297, § 6; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1619, § 6; Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 6/HB 48.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 28/HB 48, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall not apply to any violation occurring prior to January 9, 2006.   Law reviews.   - For article on 2005 amendment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005).   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Editor's notes.   - In light of the similarity of the statutory provisions, decisions decided under the former chapter are included in the annotations for this Code section.   Unconstitutional to conduct hearing without allowing accused to participate.    - Due process is violated where the commission subpoenas witnesses, holds public hearings at which witnesses are interrogated, and ultimately issues a report, but all the while refusing to allow a request by the alleged violator to participate in the public hearings by cross examining witnesses, making objections, and presenting evidence. Caldwell v. Bateman, 252 Ga. 144, 312 S.E.2d 320 (1984) (decided under former chapter).
GA Code § 21-5-8 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-8. Venue

 Venue for prosecution of civil violations of this chapter or for any other action by or on behalf of the commission shall be in the county of the residence of the candidate or public officer at the time of the alleged violation or action.    (Code 1981, §21-5-8, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1.)
GA Code § 21-5-9 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-9. Penalties

 Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person who knowingly fails to comply with or who knowingly violates this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The provisions of this Code section shall not preclude prosecution and punishment for the commission of any felony offense as otherwise provided by law.    (Code 1981, §21-5-9, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 297, § 7; Ga. L. 1988, p. 603, § 8; Ga. L. 1989, p. 10, § 1; Ga. L. 2016, p. 173, § 6/SB 199.)   Law reviews.   - For survey article on local government law, see 60 Mercer L. Rev. 263 (2008).   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Venue.    - When the defendants were indicted under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-9 for failing to file documents with the State Ethics Commission under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-34, venue was in the county where the commission was exclusively located; the place fixed for performance of the required act fixed the situs of the alleged crime. McKinney v. State, 282 Ga. 230, 647 S.E.2d 44 (2007).
GA Code § 21-5-10 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-10. Chapter as Continuation of Laws; Effect of Enactment

 The provisions of this chapter, so far as they are the same as those of existing laws, are intended as a continuation of such laws and not as new enactments. The repeal by this chapter of any Act of the General Assembly, or part thereof, shall not revive any Act, or part thereof, heretofore repealed or superseded. This chapter shall not affect any act done, liability or penalty incurred, or right accrued or vested prior to the taking effect of this chapter; nor shall this chapter affect any actions or prosecution then pending, or to be instituted, to enforce any right or penalty then accrued or to punish any offense theretofore committed.    (Code 1981, §21-5-10, enacted by Ga. L. 1987, p. 297, § 8.)
GA Code § 21-5-11 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-11. Acceptance by Public Officers of Monetary Fees or Honoraria

  No public officer other than a public officer elected state wide shall accept a monetary fee or honorarium in excess of $100.00 for a speaking engagement, participation in a seminar, discussion panel, or other activity which directly relates to the official duties of that public officer or the office of that public officer.   No public officer elected state wide shall accept any monetary fee or honorarium for a speaking engagement, participation in a seminar, discussion panel, or other such activity.   For purposes of this chapter, actual and reasonable expenses for food, beverages, travel, lodging, and registration for a meeting which are provided to permit participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting shall not be monetary fees or honoraria.     (Code 1981, §21-5-11, enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 1075, § 3; Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 7/SB 17.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 1/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010.'"   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 30/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment to this Code section applies to all reports filed on and after January 10, 2011.   Law reviews.   - For note on the 1992 enactment of this Code section, see 9 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 247 (1992).
GA Code § 21-5-12 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-12. Connected Organizations

  The name of each political action committee shall include the name of its connected organization.   The name of any separate segregated fund, as defined in Code Section 21-5-40, shall include the name of its connected organization.     (Code 1981, §21-5-12, enacted by Ga. L. 1994, p. 258, § 1; Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 8/HB 48.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 28/HB 48, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall not apply to any violation occurring prior to January 9, 2006.   Law reviews.   - For article on the 2005 amendment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005).
GA Code § 21-5-13 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-13. Limitation of Actions

 Any action alleging a violation of this chapter shall be commenced within three years after the date of filing of the first report containing the alleged violation; provided, however, that any action alleging a violation of this chapter shall be commenced within five years after the date of filing of the first report containing the alleged violation involving any person elected to serve for a term of four or more years or any candidate for an office with a term of four or more years. For purposes of this Code section, an action shall be deemed to have commenced against a person only when either:    A complaint has been accepted by the commission in compliance with Code Section 21-5-7; or   The commission or Attorney General serves on such person a notice of summons or hearing, in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," that alleges that such person has violated this chapter.     (Code 1981, §21-5-13, enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 9/HB 48; Ga. L. 2006, p. 69, § 1/SB 467; Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 8/SB 17.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 28/HB 48, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall not apply to any violation occurring prior to January 9, 2006.   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 1/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010.'"   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 30/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment to this Code section applies to all reports filed on and after January 10, 2011.   Law reviews.   - For article on the 2005 enactment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005).
GA Code § 21-5-14 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-14. E-Mail Address Reporting Requirements; Exceptions

  Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, each individual required by this chapter to file a report or disclosure statement with the commission shall provide the commission, in writing, with a current e-mail address and shall advise the commission, in writing, of any change to such address within ten days of any change to such address. Such information shall be provided to the commission prior to January 31 each year.   City, county, and school board officials are not required to provide an e-mail address to the commission.     (Code 1981, §21-5-14, enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 9/SB 17; Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 2/HB 232.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 1/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010.'"   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 30/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that this Code section applies to all reports filed on and after January 10, 2011.   Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 10/HB 232, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. It is the express intention of the General Assembly that this Act be applied retroactively to January 10, 2011, as well as prospectively." This Act became effective March 15, 2011.
GA Code § 21-5-15 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 1 - General Provisions|§ 21-5-15. Notice to Local Officials Regarding Certain Actions to Be Given by Certified Mail or Statutory Overnight Delivery

 When the commission gives notice to a local official referred to in subparagraph (F) or (G) of paragraph (22) of Code Section 21-5-3 of any of the actions listed in this Code section, such notice shall be given by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery. This Code section shall apply with respect to any notice of: the filing of a complaint; a technical defect in a filing; a failure to make a timely filing; or a late fee or other penalty.    (Code 1981, §21-5-15, enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 3/HB 232.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 10/HB 232, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. It is the express intention of the General Assembly that this Act be applied retroactively to January 10, 2011, as well as prospectively." This Act became effective March 15, 2011.
GA Code § 21-5-31 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 2 - Campaign Contributions|§ 21-5-31. Contributions or Expenditures Other Than Through Candidate or Committee; Disclosure of Extensions of Credit

 Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 11/HB 48, effective January 9, 2006.   Editor's notes.   - This Code section was based on Code 1981, § 21-5-31, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 1431, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 603, § 2; Ga. L. 1989, p. 790, § 1.   Law reviews.   - For article on the 2005 repeal of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005).   RESEARCH REFERENCES   ALR.    - Construction and application of Supreme Court's holding in Citizens United v. Federal Election Com'n, 130 S. Ct. 876, 175 L. Ed. 2d 753, 187 L.R.R.M. (BNA) 2961, 159 Lab. Cas. (CCH) P 10166 (2010), that government may not prohibit independent and indirect corporate expenditures on political speech, 65 A.L.R.6th 503.
GA Code § 21-5-32 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 2 - Campaign Contributions|§ 21-5-32. Accounts to Be Kept by Candidate or Campaign Committee Treasurer

  The candidate or treasurer of each campaign committee shall keep detailed accounts, current within not more than five business days after the date of receiving a contribution or making an expenditure, of all contributions received and all expenditures made by or on behalf of the candidate or committee. The candidate or treasurer shall also keep detailed accounts of all deposits and of all withdrawals made to the separate campaign depository and of all interest earned on any such deposits.   Accounts kept by the candidate or treasurer of a campaign committee pursuant to this Code section may be inspected under reasonable circumstances before, during, or after the election to which the accounts refer by any authorized representative of the commission. The right of inspection may be enforced by appropriate writ issued by any court of competent jurisdiction.   Records of such accounts kept by the candidate or campaign committee shall be preserved for three years from the termination date of the campaign for elective office conducted by the candidate or of the campaign committee for any candidate or for three years from the election to bring about the approval or rejection by the voters of any proposed constitutional amendment, referendum, or local issue or of any recall vote.     (Code 1981, §21-5-32, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1; Ga. L. 1987, p. 297, § 10; Ga. L. 1988, p. 603, § 3.)
GA Code § 21-5-34.1 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 2 - Campaign Contributions|§ 21-5-34.1. Filing Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports Electronically

  Candidates, candidate committees, and public officers who are required to file campaign contribution disclosure reports with the commission shall use electronic means to file such reports with the commission using means prescribed by the commission to file such reports.   The filing of any campaign disclosure report required under this article shall constitute an affirmation that such report is true, complete, and correct.   Candidates seeking election to county or municipal offices may use electronic means to file their campaign contribution disclosure reports if such method is made available or may file by certified mail, statutory overnight delivery, or personal delivery.   Political action committees, independent committees, and any persons otherwise required by this article to file campaign contribution disclosure reports shall use electronic means to file such reports if such method is made available.   The filing of any campaign contribution disclosure report required under this article shall constitute an affirmation that the report is true, complete, and correct.     (Code 1981, §21-5-34.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2000, p. 1491, § 3; Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 13/HB 48; Ga. L. 2009, p. 620, § 4/SB 168; Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 12/SB 17; Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 5/HB 232; Ga. L. 2013, p. 173, § 4/HB 143.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2000, p. 1491, § 5, not codified by the General Assembly, provides for severability.   Ga. L. 2000, p. 1491, § 6, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that for purposes of issuing rules and regulations, that Act became effective May 1, 2000.   Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 28/HB 48, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall not apply to any violation occurring prior to January 9, 2006.   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 1/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010.'"   Ga. L. 2010, p. 1173, § 30/SB 17, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment to this Code section applies to all reports filed on and after January 10, 2011.   Ga. L. 2011, p. 19, § 10/SB 232, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. It is the express intention of the General Assembly that this Act be applied retroactively to January 10, 2011, as well as prospectively." This Act became effective March 15, 2011.   Law reviews.   - For article on the 2005 amendment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005).
GA Code § 21-5-34.2 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 2 - Campaign Contributions|§ 21-5-34.2. Leadership Committee Defined; Operation; Separate From Campaign Committees

  As used in this Code section, the term "leadership committee” means a committee, corporation, or organization chaired by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the nominee of a political party for Governor selected in a primary election in the year in which he or she is nominated, or the nominee of a political party for Lieutenant Governor selected in a primary election in the year in which he or she is nominated. Such term shall also mean up to two political action committees designated by the majority caucus of the House of Representatives, the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, the majority caucus of the Senate, and the minority caucus of the Senate. No person may chair more than one leadership committee.   A leadership committee may receive contributions from persons who are members or supporters of the leadership committee and expend such funds as permitted by this Code section.   If a person chairing a leadership committee ceases to hold the office or the status as a nominee of a political party as described in subsection (a) of this Code section, such person shall transfer the remaining assets of the leadership committee, if any, to another leadership committee within 60 days, name an eligible person as the new chairperson of the leadership committee within 60 days, or dispose of the leadership committee's assets as provided by Code Section 21-5-33.   A leadership committee may accept contributions or make expenditures for the purpose of affecting the outcome of any election or advocating for the election or defeat of any candidate, may defray ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with any candidate's campaign for elective office, and may defray ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with a public officer's fulfillment or retention of such office.   A leadership committee which accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $500.00 shall register with the commission within ten days of such accepted contribution or such expenditure and, thereafter, shall file disclosure reports pursuant to the schedule defined for candidates and campaign committees in subsection (c) of Code Section 21-5-34. Such disclosure reports shall be made pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 21-5-34. The contribution limits in Code Section 21-5-41 shall not apply to contributions to a leadership committee or expenditures made by a leadership committee in support of a candidate or a group of named candidates. All communications paid for by expenditures of the leadership committee shall contain a disclaimer, either audibly or in writing, that the communication is paid for by the leadership committee, unless such disclaimer is impractical.   A leadership committee shall be a separate legal entity from a candidate's campaign committee and shall not be considered an independent committee.     (Code 1981, §21-5-34.2, enacted by Ga. L. 2021, p. 467, § 1/SB 221.)
GA Code § 21-5-35 (2021)
2021 Georgia Code|Title 21 - Elections|Chapter 5 - Ethics in Government|Article 2 - Campaign Contributions|§ 21-5-35. Acceptance of Contributions or Pledges During Legislative Sessions

  No member of the General Assembly or that member's campaign committee or public officer elected state wide or campaign committee of such public officer shall seek or accept a contribution or a pledge of a contribution to the member, the member's campaign committee, or public officer elected state wide, or campaign committee of such public officer during a legislative session.   Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply to:   The receipt of a contribution which is returned with reasonable promptness to the donor or the donor's agent;   The receipt and acceptance during a legislative session of a contribution consisting of proceeds from a dinner, luncheon, rally, or similar fundraising event held prior to the legislative session;   The receipt of a contribution by a political party consisting of the proceeds from a dinner, luncheon, rally, or similar fundraising event in which a member of the General Assembly or a public officer elected state wide participates; or   A judicial officer elected state wide, a candidate for a judicial office elected state wide, or a campaign committee of such judicial officer or candidate.       (Code 1981, §21-5-35, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 957, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 922, § 5; Ga. L. 1994, p. 258, § 10; Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 14/HB 48; Ga. L. 2013, p. 173, § 5/HB 143.)   Editor's notes.   - Ga. L. 2005, p. 859, § 28/HB 48, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the Act shall not apply to any violation occurring prior to January 9, 2006.   Law reviews.   - For article on the 2005 amendment of this Code section, see 22 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 119 (2005). For article, "Elections: Elections and Primaries Through the Pandemic,” see 37 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 241 (2020).   JUDICIAL DECISIONS   Preempted by federal law.    - As applied to candidates for federal office, O.C.G.A. § 21-5-35 is preempted by the Federal Election Campaign Act, 2 U.S.C. § 431 et seq. Teper v. Miller, 82 F.3d 989 (11th Cir. 1996).   OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL   Soliciting pledges should be avoided.    - While the Ethics in Government Act, O.C.G.A. § 21-5-1 et seq., does not expressly prohibit an incumbent member of the General Assembly from soliciting a pledge or setting goals for contributions during a legislative session, such actions would clearly be contrary to the policies and purposes of the Act and should be avoided. 1995 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U95-27.