reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority Act."
Renumbered from § 12-3-470 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
Former §§ 2-3-1 through 2-3-12 renumbered as § 12-3-650 by 2001 Ga. Laws 288, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Authority" means the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority.
(2)
"Cost of the project" means the cost of construction; the cost of all lands, properties, rights, easements, and franchises acquired; the cost of all machinery and equipment; financing charges; interest prior to and during construction and for one year after completion of construction; the cost of engineering, architectural, and legal expenses and of plans and specifications and other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the project; administrative expense; and such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the financing authorized in this chapter, the construction of any project, the placing of the same in operation, and the condemnation of property necessary for such construction and operation. Any obligation or expense incurred for any of the foregoing purposes shall be regarded as a part of the cost of the project and may be paid or reimbursed as such out of such bonds or obligations as may be issued by any authority, department, commission, or agency of the State of Georgia.
(3)
"Project" means and includes one or a combination of two or more of the following: buildings, facilities, and all structures; electric, gas, steam, water, and sewerage utilities; and improvements of every kind and character deemed by the authority necessary or convenient for its purposes.
Renumbered from § 12-3-471 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-4 - Purpose and general business of authority

The corporate purpose and the general nature of the business of the authority shall be:
(1)
The provision of a facility for the agricultural community to present, exhibit, and promote its products and livestock to agribusiness persons and the public in an effort to boost the state's economy;
(2)
The exhibition and promotion of agricultural accomplishments by the youth of this state;
(3)
The provision of facilities and programs for public events, exhibits, and other activities, such as, but not limited to, fairs, nonagricultural exhibits, concerts, rodeos, flea markets, and auctions, which will make the authority as financially self-supporting as possible, benefit the state's economy, and attract the traveling public; and
(4)
The promotion and staging of a state-wide fair at least once a year to accomplish one or more of the above purposes.
Renumbered from § 12-3-473 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-6 - Public purpose of authority; tax and assessment exemptions

It is found, determined, and declared that the creation of the authority and the carrying out of its corporate purposes are in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state and constitute a public purpose and that the authority will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this chapter. The State of Georgia covenants that the authority shall be required to pay no taxes or assessments upon any of the property acquired by it or under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision or upon its activities in the operation or maintenance of the facilities erected, maintained, or acquired by it or any fees, rentals, or other charges for the use of such facilities or other income received by the authority; provided, however, in no event shall the exemptions granted in this Code section extend to any lessee or other private person or entity.
Renumbered from § 12-3-475 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-7 - Exercise of police powers by authority

The authority is authorized to exercise such of the police powers of the state as may be necessary to maintain peace and order and to enforce any and all zoning, use, and personal conduct restrictions upon the properties, facilities, and persons under its jurisdiction to the extent that such is lawful under the laws of the United States and this state. The authority may delegate all or any part of the performance of these functions temporarily or permanently to the state or to the county in which its facilities are located.
Renumbered from § 12-3-476 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-8 - Authorization for security force

The authority is authorized to contract for or to provide for and maintain a security force with respect to the facilities and property owned, leased, operated, or under the control of the authority and within the territory thereof. The security force shall have the duty to protect persons and property, disperse unlawful or dangerous assemblages, control pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and otherwise preserve and protect the public peace, health, and safety. For these purposes, a member of such force shall be a peace officer and, as such, shall have authority equivalent to the authority of a policeman or law enforcement officer of the county in which he is discharging his duties.
Renumbered from § 12-3-477 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-9 - Receipts deemed trust funds

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as grants or other contributions or as revenues, rents, and earnings, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter.
Renumbered from §
12-3-478
by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-10 - Setting rentals and other charges

The authority is authorized to fix rentals and other charges which any user, exhibitor, concessionaire, franchisee, or vendor shall pay to the authority for the use of the project or part thereof or combination thereof, and to charge and collect the same, and to lease and make contracts with political subdivisions and agencies with respect to use of any part of the project. The rentals and other charges shall be so fixed and adjusted in respect to the aggregate thereof from the project or any part thereof so as to provide a fund sufficient with other revenues of such project, if any, to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the project, including the reserves for extraordinary repairs and insurance, unless such cost shall be otherwise provided for, which cost shall be deemed to include the expenses incurred by the authority on account of the project for water, light, sewer, and other services furnished by other facilities at the project.
Renumbered from § 12-3-479 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-11 - Legal services of Attorney General

The Attorney General shall provide legal services for the authority and in connection therewith the provisions of Code Sections
45-15-13
through
45-15-16
shall be fully applicable.
Renumbered from § 12-3-480 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-12 - Venue and jurisdiction for actions under chapter or against authority

Any action to protect or enforce any rights under this chapter shall be brought in the Superior Court of Houston County, Georgia; and such court shall have exclusive, original jurisdiction of such actions. Furthermore, the venue for actions brought against the authority shall be in the Superior Court of Houston County, Georgia; and such court shall have exclusive, original jurisdiction of such actions. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to impair any rights afforded the state under the Constitution of the United States.
Renumbered as § 12-3-481 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-13 - Conflict of interest; full disclosure

(a)
Every member of the authority and every employee of the authority who knowingly has any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract to which the authority is or is about to become a party, or in any other business of the authority, or in any firm or corporation doing business with the authority shall make full disclosure of such interest to the authority. Failure to disclose such an interest shall constitute cause for which a member of the authority may be removed or an employee discharged or otherwise disciplined at the discretion of the authority.
(b)
The provisions of Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 16 and Code Sections
16-10-21
,
16-10-22
,
16-10-92
, and
16-10-93
, regulating the conduct of officers, employees, and agents of political subdivisions, municipal and other public corporations, and other public organizations, shall be applicable to the conduct of members, officers, employees, and agents of the authority.
(c)
Any contract or transaction of the authority involving a conflict of interest which is not disclosed under subsection (a) of this Code section, or involving a violation of Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 16 or Code Section
16-10-21
,
16-10-22
,
16-10-92
, or
16-10-93
, or involving a violation of any other provision of law regulating conflicts of interest which is applicable to the authority or its members, officers, or employees shall be voidable by the authority.
Renumbered from § 12-3-482 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 3 - GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL EXPOSITION AUTHORITY (§§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-15) › Section 2-3-15 - Authorization for department construction and acquisition of projects

The Department of Agriculture is authorized to construct, erect, acquire, and own the project, as defined in this chapter. The costs of any such project may be paid from the proceeds of state general obligation or guaranteed revenue debt. The department is authorized to contract with the authority, the State Properties Commission, the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, or with any other department, agency, commission, board, official, or person for the construction, operation, maintenance, funding, design, or use of such project.
Renumbered from § 12-3-484 by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 66,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-2 - Seed Development Commission - Creation; corporate powers

(a)
As used in this chapter, the term "commission" means the Georgia Seed Development Commission.
(b)
There is created a body corporate and politic and an instrumentality and public corporation of this state, to be known as the Georgia Seed Development Commission. It shall have perpetual existence. In such name, it may contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts.
(c)
The commission is assigned to the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section
50-4-3
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-5 - Seed Development Commission - Purchase contracts

All contracts for the purchase of supplies or equipment by the commission for any purpose whatever shall be made only after competitive sealed bids have been received.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-6 - Seed Development Commission - Operation on nonprofit basis

It is the intent and purpose of the General Assembly that the commission shall be operated on a nonprofit basis. Any and all profits earned, beyond those required as a reasonable reserve for the future operations of the commission, shall be transmitted to the state treasury.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-7 - Advisory board created; members; function

The commission may appoint an advisory board, consisting of such number and qualifications of members as the commission may determine, to advise and consult with the commission in the performance of the commission's duties. The function of such a board shall be advisory only.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 465,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-8 - [Repealed] Terms of office of appointed members of commission and board

Repealed by 2021 Ga. Laws 262,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 465,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-9 - Conveyance of state property to commission; consideration; reversion for nonuse

The Governor is authorized to convey to the commission on behalf of the state any real or personal property or interest therein owned by the state in furtherance of this chapter. The consideration for such conveyance shall be determined by the Governor and expressed in the conveyance, provided that such consideration shall be nominal, the benefits going to the state and its citizens constituting full and adequate consideration. If, within one year after a conveyance by the Governor, use of the property conveyed has not been made by the commission, such property or interest shall revert to the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 4 - GEORGIA SEED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (§§ 2-4-1 — 2-4-10) › Section 2-4-10 - Debt or pledge of credit of state not authorized

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed in any manner as authorizing the creation of a debt of the State of Georgia or a pledge of the credit of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-1 - Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Department of Agriculture Registration, License, and Permit Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-2 - Applicability of chapter

This chapter shall apply to all applications to the department for registrations, licenses, or permits required by law or regulation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-3 - Applications - Designation of address or agent for service of process; forwarding to Secretary of State

(a)
All applications to the department for registrations, licenses, or permits shall:
(1)
Designate an address in this state where the applicant can be personally served with legal process;
(2)
Contain an appointment of an agent in this state for acceptance of service of legal process, together with the agent's address in this state; or
(3)
Contain a designation of the Secretary of State for acceptance of service of legal process.
(b)
A copy of such application shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State by the department.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-4 - Applications - Admission that applicant is doing business in state

The filing of an application with the department for registration, a license, or a permit shall constitute an admission by the applicant that the applicant is doing business in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-4.1 - Applications - Form of submission; payment of fees

The department is authorized to accept applications either in writing or through available electronic media approved by the Commissioner. The payment of fees and the acceptance of such fees by the department may be accomplished in any manner, including electronic fund transfers, approved by the Commissioner.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-5 - Grounds for denial of registration, license, or permit; hearing

(a)
The Commissioner may deny registration, a license, or a permit to:
(1)
Any applicant with a criminal record;
(2)
Any applicant who is found by the Commissioner to have violated any law administered by the department or any regulation or quarantine of the department;
(3)
A corporation, when any of its officers has a criminal record or is found by the Commissioner to have violated any law administered by the department or any regulation or quarantine of the department; or
(4)
Any person who is less than 18 years of age on the date of his or her application.
(b)
In the case of a partnership, all parties shall be considered applicants for the purpose of this Code section.
(c)
No registration, license, or permit shall be denied under this Code section without opportunity for hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-6 - Grounds for revocation; hearing

The Commissioner may revoke any outstanding registration, license, or permit where the holder of the same or any officer or agent of the holder is found by the Commissioner to have violated any law administered by the department or any regulation or quarantine of the department, provided that no registration, license, or permit shall be revoked under this Code section without opportunity for hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-7 - Registration, license, or permit certificates as evidence thereof; republication and reissuance unnecessary

All license, registration, and permit certificates published by the department shall, upon issuance, be permanent evidence of the pertinent licenses, registrations, and permits they are published for, until their surrender, abandonment, revocation, cancellation, or nonrenewal. No subsequent republication and reissuance of certificates for periodically renewable licenses, registrations, and permits by the department shall be necessary; provided, however, that all conditions and fees required by law for sustained effectiveness and renewal must be satisfied for continued enjoyment of the pertinent license, registration, or permit.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 5 - REGISTRATION, LICENSES, AND PERMITS GENERALLY (§§ 2-5-1 — 2-5-8) › Section 2-5-8 - Rules and regulations

The Commissioner shall make and publish in print or electronically such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 615,§ 10, eff. 6/3/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-1 - Short title

This article may be known and cited as the "Georgia Agricultural Conservation and Adjustment Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-3 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Other states of the United States" includes Puerto Rico.
(2)
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, firm, business trust, joint-stock company, association, syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, and any other unincorporated association or group.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-4 - Designation of state agency

The Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Georgia, hereinafter called the Cooperative Extension Service, is designated and authorized as the agency of this state to carry out the policy and purposes of this article and to formulate and administer state plans pursuant to the terms of this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-5 - Formulation and administration of state plans; investigations

(a)
The Cooperative Extension Service is authorized and directed to formulate for each calendar year and to submit to the secretary of agriculture of the United States for and in the name of this state, a state plan for carrying out the purposes of this article during such calendar year.
(b)
The Cooperative Extension Service is authorized to modify or revise any such plan in whatever manner, consistent with the terms of this article, it finds necessary to provide for the more substantial accomplishment of the purposes of this article.
(c)
Each such plan shall provide for such participation in its administration by such voluntary county and community committees or associations of agricultural producers, organized for such purposes, as the Cooperative Extension Service determines to be necessary or proper for the effective administration of the plan.
(d)
Each such plan shall provide, through agreements with agricultural producers or through other voluntary methods:
(1)
For such adjustments in the utilization of land, in farming practices, and in the acreage or in the production for market, or both, of agricultural commodities as the Cooperative Extension Service determines to be calculated to effectuate as substantial an accomplishment of the purposes of this article as may reasonably be achieved through action of this state; and
(2)
For payments to agricultural producers, in connection with such agreements or methods, in such amounts as the Cooperative Extension Service determines to be fair, reasonable, and calculated to promote such accomplishment of the purposes of this article without depriving such producers of a voluntary and uncoerced choice of action.
(e)
Any such plan shall provide for such educational programs as the Cooperative Extension Service determines to be necessary or proper to promote the more substantial accomplishment of the purposes of this article.
(f)
Each such plan shall contain an estimate of expenditures necessary to carry out such plan, together with a statement of such amount as the Cooperative Extension Service determines to be necessary to be paid by the secretary of agriculture of the United States as a grant in aid of such plan under Section 7 of the federal Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, in order to provide for the effective carrying out of such plan and shall designate the amount and due date of each installment of such grant, the period to which such installment relates, and the amount determined by the Cooperative Extension Service to be necessary for carrying out such plan during such period.
(g)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall provide for such investigations as it finds to be necessary for the formulation and administration of such plans.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-6 - Receipt and disbursement of funds; accounts; auditing; bonds

(a)
The Cooperative Extension Service is authorized to receive, on behalf of this state, all grants of money or other aid made available from any source to assist the state in carrying out the policy and purposes of this article. All such moneys or other aid, together with any moneys appropriated or other provision made by this state for such purpose, shall be forthwith available to the Cooperative Extension Service as the agency of the state, subject, in the case of any funds or other aid received upon conditions, to the conditions upon which such funds or other aid have been received, for the purpose of administering this article. Such moneys or aid may be expended by the Cooperative Extension Service in carrying out the state plans provided for in Code Section
2-6-5
or in otherwise effectuating the purposes and policies of this article.
(b)
Subject to any conditions upon which any such money or other aid is made available to the state and subject to the terms of any applicable plan made effective pursuant to this article, such expenditures may include, but need not be limited to, expenditures for:
(1)
Administration expenses;
(2)
Equipment;
(3)
Cost of research and investigation;
(4)
Cost of educational activities;
(5)
Compensation and expenses of members of the state advisory board provided for in Code Section
2-6-10
;
(6)
Reimbursement to other state agencies or to voluntary committees or associations of agricultural producers for the costs to such agencies, committees, or associations of assisting in the administration of this article when assistance is requested in writing by the Cooperative Extension Service and rendered to the Cooperative Extension Service;
(7)
Reimbursement of any other fund from which the Cooperative Extension Service has made expenditures in providing services in the administration of this article;
(8)
Payments to agricultural producers provided for in any plan made effective pursuant to this article;
(9)
Salaries of employees; and
(10)
All other expenditures requisite to carrying out the provisions and purposes of this article.
(c)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall provide for the keeping of full and accurate accounts as such state agency, showing all receipts and expenditures of moneys, securities, or other property received, held, or expended under this article, and shall provide for the auditing of all such accounts and for the execution of surety bonds for all employees entrusted with moneys or securities under this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-7 - Assistance of other agencies and associations; rules and regulations; lease or purchase of equipment, facilities, and supplies; employment of personnel

(a)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall utilize such available services and assistance of other state agencies and of voluntary county and community committees and associations of agricultural producers as it determines to be necessary or calculated to assist substantially in the effective administration of this article.
(b)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall have the authority to make such rules and regulations consistent with this article and to do any and all other acts consistent with this article which it finds to be necessary or proper for the effective administration of this article.
(c)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall have the power and authority to obtain, by lease or purchase, such equipment, office accommodations, facilities, services, and supplies and to employ and determine the qualifications, duties, and compensation of such technical or legal experts or assistants and such other employees, including clerical and stenographic help, as it determines to be necessary or proper to carry out this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-8 - Reports; investigations

The Cooperative Extension Service shall compile or require to be made such reports as it determines to be necessary or proper in order to ascertain whether any plans provided for in this article are being carried out according to their terms. The Cooperative Extension Service shall provide for compliance with such requirements on the part of all persons and agencies participating in the administration of any such plan and may make or cause to be made such investigations as it determines to be necessary or proper to assure the correctness of such reports and to make possible the verification of the reports.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-9 - Community associations; community and county committees

The Cooperative Extension Service, by regulation, shall provide for the organization within each community of a voluntary association in which all agricultural producers who are citizens of this state and residents in such community shall be entitled to equal participation; for the selection by each such association of a community committee, which shall be composed of three members of such association; and for a chairman to be chosen for each such community committee. The Cooperative Extension Service shall also provide for the selection by the members of such community committees within each county of a county committee for such county, to be composed of three members of such community committees, and for the selection of a chairman of each such county committee.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 1 - SOIL CONSERVATION GENERALLY (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-10) › Section 2-6-10 - State advisory board

(a)
The Cooperative Extension Service shall, by regulation, provide for the selection of five persons of legal age, resident in this state, to act as farmer members of a state advisory board. Such members shall be selected from the standpoint of their actual farming experience and comprehensive understanding of the agricultural problems of this state and shall represent, as nearly as possible, all sections of the state and all major types of farming.
(b)
The state advisory board, upon the request of the Cooperative Extension Service, shall advise the Cooperative Extension Service with regard to all matters of major importance in carrying out this article and may, in the absence of such request, submit advice and information to the Cooperative Extension Service with respect to the administration of this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-20 - Short title

This article may be known and cited as the "Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-22 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Commission" or "State Soil and Water Conservation Commission" means the agency created in Code Section
2-6-23
.
(2)
"District" or "soil and water conservation district" means an agency of this state organized in accordance with this article for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions set forth in this article.
(3)
"Due notice" means notice published at least twice, with an interval of at least seven days between the two publication dates, in a newspaper or other publication of general circulation within the appropriate area or, if no such publication of general circulation is available, notice given by posting at a reasonable number of conspicuous places within the appropriate area, including, where possible, public places where it is customary to post notices concerning county or municipal affairs generally. At any hearing held pursuant to such notice, at the time and place designated in such notice, adjournment may be made from time to time without the necessity of renewing such notice for such adjourned dates.
(4)
"Land occupier" or "occupier of land" means any person, firm, or corporation, other than the owner, who is in possession of any lands lying within a soil and water conservation district, whether as lessee, renter, tenant, or otherwise.
(5)
"Landowner" or "owner of land" means any person, firm, or corporation who holds legal or equitable title to any lands lying within a soil and water conservation district.
(6)
"Qualified elector" means any person qualified to vote in elections by the people under the Constitution of this state.
(7)
"Supervisor" means one of the members of the governing body of a soil and water conservation district, elected or appointed in accordance with this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-23 - State Soil and Water Conservation Commission - Established; composition; terms of office; ex officio advisers; seal; rules and regulations

(a)
There is established, to serve as an agency of the state and to perform the functions conferred upon it in this article, the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The commission shall be assigned to the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes only, as prescribed in Code Section
50-4-3
.
(b)
Commencing with appointments for the year 2015, the Governor shall appoint one at-large member from each of the five soil and water conservation district regions to serve on the commission. Such initial appointments shall be for terms of office of one, two, three, four, and five years, respectively. Thereafter, successors shall be appointed for terms of office of five years and until their successors are duly appointed.
(c)
The following persons shall serve ex officio in an advisory capacity to the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission:
(1)
The associate dean for extension of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia;
(2)
The commissioner of natural resources;
(3)
The associate dean of research of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia;
(4)
The executive director of the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service;
(5)
The Georgia state director of the Farmer's Home Administration;
(6)
The director of the Southern Piedmont Conservation Research Center;
(7)
The president of the Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors;
(8)
The director of the State Forestry Commission;
(9)
The Georgia supervisor of national forests of the U.S. Forestry Service;
(10)
The state conservationist of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service;
(11)
The dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia;
(12)
The director of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Division of the Department of Education;
(13)
The Commissioner of Agriculture; and
(14)
Such other representatives of state or federal agencies as the commission deems desirable.
(d)
The commission shall adopt a seal, which shall be judicially noticed. It may perform such acts, hold such public hearings, and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the execution of its functions under this article.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 521,§ 2, eff. 7/29/2020.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 17,§ 1, eff. 4/8/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-24 - State Soil and Water Conservation Commission - Chairperson; quorum; compensation; surety bonds; records; audits

The commission shall designate one of its members as chairperson and may, from time to time, change such designation. A member of the commission shall hold office so long as he or she retains the office by virtue of which he or she is serving on the commission. A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of a majority shall be required for the determination of any matter within its duties. The members of the commission shall receive for each day of actual attendance of meetings of the commission a daily expense allowance in the amount specified in subsection (b) of Code Section
45-7-21
and shall be entitled to expenses, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties on the commission. The commission shall provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who are entrusted with funds or property. It shall provide for the keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations, and orders issued or adopted and shall provide for an annual audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 856, § 1, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-25 - State Soil and Water Conservation Commission - Employment of administrative officer, experts, agents, and employees; legal services; delegation of powers and duties; furnishing of information; agency cooperation

The commission may employ an administrative officer and such technical experts and other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require. It shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. The commission may call upon the Attorney General of this state for such legal services as it may require. It shall have authority to delegate, to one or more of its members or to one or more agents or employees, such powers and duties as it may deem proper. The commission is authorized to furnish information and to call upon any or all state or local agencies for cooperation in carrying out this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-26 - State Soil and Water Conservation Commission - Merit and retirement systems for employees

All employees of the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, not including members of the commission, shall be subject to a merit system of employment as promulgated by the commission, under which all such employees shall be selected on a basis of merit, fitness, and efficiency, according to law. All such employees are authorized to become and be members of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, as established by Chapter 2 of Title 47. There shall be paid from the funds appropriated for the operation of the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission all employer contributions required by Chapter 2 of Title 47 creating the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. All rights, credits, and funds in such retirement system which were possessed by persons at the time of their employment by the commission are continued and preserved, it being the intention of the General Assembly that such persons shall not lose any rights, credits, or funds to which they may be entitled prior to becoming employees of the commission.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-27 - State Soil and Water Conservation Commission - Additional duties and powers

In addition to the duties and powers otherwise conferred upon the commission, it shall have the following duties and powers:
(1)
To offer such assistance as may be appropriate to the supervisors of the soil and water conservation districts in the carrying out of any of their powers and programs;
(2)
To keep the supervisors of each of the districts informed of the activities and experiences of all the other districts and to facilitate an interchange of advice, experience, and cooperation between such districts;
(3)
To coordinate the programs of the districts so far as this may be done by advice and consultation;
(4)
To secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies and of the agencies and counties of this state in the work of such districts;
(5)
To disseminate information throughout this state concerning the activities and programs of the districts and to encourage the formation of such districts in areas where their organization is desirable;
(6)
To receive gifts, appropriations, materials, equipment, land, and facilities and to manage, operate, and disperse the same;
(7)
To formulate such rules and regulations, to exercise such powers, and to perform such duties as are necessary to implement the administration of the federal Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act;
(7.1)
To formulate such rules and regulations in consultation with the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources, to exercise such powers, and to perform such duties as are necessary to implement the administration of the education and training program established under Code Section
12-7-19
;
(8)
To enter into contracts and agreements with the districts, municipalities, and counties of this state, other agencies of this state, the United States and any agencies thereof, any association, any landowner or land occupier, or any person in order to carry out the purposes of this article; and
(9)
To receive grants from any agency of the United States government or any agency of this state, and to make grants to districts, municipalities, or counties in this state, or other state agencies in order to:
(A)
Fund up to 20 percent of the cost of obtaining permits for and constructing improvements to any dam that was originally constructed or financially assisted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, of the United States Department of Agriculture; or
(B)
Carry out other purposes of this article.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 483,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 17,§ 2, eff. 4/8/2015.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 578,§ 1-2, eff. 7/1/2008.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 36, § 1, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 357, § 1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-28 - Number and boundaries of soil and water conservation districts; alteration of existing districts or formation of new districts

(a)
The number and geographical boundaries of the several soil and water conservation districts shall remain as they existed on July 1, 1973, unless changed as provided in this Code section.
(b)
If two-thirds of the supervisors within each of the affected districts, each of the governing authorities of each county within any affected district, and the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission agree to the alteration of any district or the formation of any new district, the alteration or formation may be effected if all such approvals are filed with the commission along with the description of the altered boundaries or the boundaries of the new districts. The alteration of existing districts or formation of new districts may not be effected so that the boundaries of any such district will traverse the boundaries of any regional commission within the district or districts. All of the property and assets of any altered district shall be distributed among the affected districts in accordance to the same ratio used in the distribution of state appropriated funds to the affected districts.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 436,§ 11, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 6 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (§§ 2-6-1 — 2-6-52) › Article 2 - SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (§§ 2-6-20 — 2-6-52) › Section 2-6-29 - District supervisors - Number; appointment, qualifications, and terms of appointive supervisors; county basis of election of elected supervisors

(a)
The governing body of each district shall consist of not less than five supervisors. Two supervisors shall be appointed by the commission, provided that in those districts which contain three or more counties or portions of three or more counties, the commission shall appoint one supervisor for each county in the district. Appointments by the commission shall be made from a list submitted to the commission by the elected supervisors of the district, containing three nominees for each appointive position. The supervisors appointed by the commission shall be persons who are qualified by training and experience to perform the specialized, skilled services which will be required of them in the performance of their duties under this article. Appointed supervisors shall serve for terms of office of two years and until their successors are appointed.
(b)
Elected supervisors shall be elected upon a county basis, as provided in Code Section
2-6-30
. Not more than one elected supervisor shall be elected from each county within a district, except in districts consisting of less than three counties.