reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-5 - Meetings by teleconference or other similar means

(a)
Unless specifically prohibited by the laws relating to a particular board, body, or committee, any board, body, or committee of state government may meet by teleconference or other similar means. The methods of meeting permitted under this Code section shall include telephone conference calls, meetings held through two-way interactive closed circuit television or satellite television signal, or any other similar method which allows each member of the board or body participating in the meeting to hear and speak to each other member participating in the meeting.
(b)
Nothing in this Code section shall eliminate any otherwise applicable requirement for giving notice of any meeting. Likewise, nothing in this Code section shall create a requirement for giving notice of any meeting where it does not otherwise exist. The notice shall list each location where any member of the board, body, or committee plans to participate in the meeting if the meeting is otherwise open to the public; provided, however, it shall not be grounds to contest any actions of the board, body, or committee as provided in Code Section
50-14-1
if a member participates from a location other than the location listed in the notice. At a minimum, the notice shall list one specific location where the public can participate in the meeting if the meeting is otherwise open to the public. The notice shall further conform with the notice provisions of Code Section
50-14-1
. Any meeting which is otherwise required by law to be open to the public shall be open to the public at each location listed in the notice or where any member of the board, body, or committee participates in the meeting.
(c)
The provisions of this Code section shall be broadly construed to cover any board, body, or committee of state government which is required or authorized to hold any meeting concerning state government affairs, regardless of the name by which any such entity may be known. The provisions of this Code section are specifically made applicable to the legislative and judicial branches of state government as well as the executive branch. With respect to the judicial branch, however, this Code section shall not apply to actual court sessions but shall apply to other administrative or judicial proceedings in the judicial branch. With respect to the legislative branch, this Code section shall not apply to actual sessions of the Senate or the House of Representatives but shall apply to committee meetings and other administrative proceedings.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 605,§ 15, eff. 4/17/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-8 - Election to contractually provide to unmarried persons benefits, rights, or privileges provided to married persons

(a)
It is the policy of this state that any organization or person in this state may elect to, or elect not to, contractually provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually provides benefits, rights, or privileges to married persons.
(b)
State and local government shall not impose any penalty on or withhold any benefits, rights, or privileges from any organization or person on the basis of such organization's or person's election to or election not to contractually or otherwise provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually or otherwise provides benefits, rights, or privileges to married persons.
(c)
Subsection (b) of this Code section shall apply to the state and any political subdivision of the state and to any department, agency, authority, commission, or other entity of the state or any political subdivision of the state.
(d)
As used in this Code section, the term "organization" includes but is not limited to any corporation, association, nonprofit organization, limited liability company, partnership, group, authority, or other entity, including any political subdivision of this state.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 70,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-9 - Replacement of state licenses, identification cards, and other documents after natural disaster

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "natural disaster" shall mean a flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or other occurrence for which the President of the United States has made a federal disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,
42 U.S.C. Sections 5121
-
5206
.
(b)
Each state agency that issues permits, licenses, certificates, or identification cards to citizens of this state including, but not limited to, drivers' licenses, state identification cards, professional licenses, professional certifications, professional registrations, professional permits, and birth certificates, shall issue replacement permits, licenses, certificates, or identification cards without charge to citizens who apply for such replacement permits, licenses, certificates, or identification cards and who demonstrate that their original permits, licenses, certificates, or identification cards were lost or destroyed as the direct result of a natural disaster if such application is made within 60 days following a federal disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,
42 U.S.C. Sections 5121
-
5206
, and if such citizen is a resident of the area included within such federal disaster declaration.
Added by 2010 Ga. Laws 432,§ 1, eff. 5/24/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-10 - [See note] Daylight savings time year round; contingent implementation

(a)
This state, including all political subdivisions thereof, shall observe daylight savings time year round as the standard time of the entire state and all of its political subdivisions.
(b)
This Code section shall become effective only if the United States Congress amends
15 U.S.C. Section 260a
to authorize states to observe daylight savings time year round.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 17,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-11 - Proof of COVID-19 vaccination for government services prohibited; exceptions

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Agency" means:
(A)
Every state department, agency, board, bureau, office, commission, public corporation, and authority;
(B)
Every county, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision of this state;
(C)
Every department, agency, board, bureau, office, commission, authority, or similar body of each such county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of this state; and
(D)
Every city, county, regional, or other authority established pursuant to the laws of this state.
(2)
"COVID-19" means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and any mutation or viral fragments thereof, or any disease or condition caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was the subject of the public health state of emergency declared by the Governor on March 14, 2020.
(b)
(1)
No agency shall require proof of COVID-19 vaccination of any person as a condition of providing any service or access to any facility, issuing any license, permit, or other type of authorization, or performing any duty of such agency.
(2)
No agency, through any rule, regulation, ordinance, resolution, or other action shall require that any person or private entity require proof of COVID-19 vaccination of any person as a condition of providing any service or access to any facility, or as a condition of such person or private entity's performance of any regular activity by such person or private entity.
(c)
This Code section shall not apply if compliance with this Code section would require an agency to violate one or more regulations of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or any federal contractual terms applying to workplace locations in which one or more individuals are working on or in connection with a federal government contract.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 254,§ 1, eff. 5/2/2023.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 819,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Section 50-1-12 - [Multiple versions] [Consideration of definition of antisemitism in enforcement of laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on basis of race, color, religion, or national origin]

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Agency" means any agency, authority, department, board, bureau, commission, council, corporation, entity, or instrumentality of state government and all local political subdivisions of this state.
(2)
"Definition of antisemitism" has the same meaning as provided for in the working definition of antisemitism and the contemporary examples of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016, and incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order Number 13899, 84 F.R. 68779 December 11, 2019.
(b)
An agency authorized or required to enforce any criminal or noncriminal law or regulation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin shall consider the definition of antisemitism in the course of such enforcement.
(c)
In determining whether to seek the enhanced penalty or penalties authorized by Code Section
17-10-17
, the state shall consider the definition of antisemitism for the purpose of determining whether such penalty enhancement is authorized.
(d)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Georgia Constitution. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon an individual's right to engage in legally protected conduct or expressive activity pertaining to any matter of United States foreign policy or international affairs. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to conflict with local, federal, or state discrimination laws.
(e)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to alter the evidentiary requirements pursuant to which an agency makes a determination that conduct, including harassment, amounts to actionable discrimination, or to diminish or infringe upon the rights protected under any other provision of law.
(f)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to an agency.
(g)
This Code section shall not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, or any cause of action, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the state or any agency.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 356,§ 1, eff. 1/31/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Section 50-1-12 - [Multiple versions] [Prohibitions regarding use of central bank digital currency]

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Central bank digital currency" means a digital currency, a digital medium of exchange, or a digital monetary unit of account issued by the Federal Reserve System, a federal reserve bank, a federal agency, a foreign government, a foreign central bank, or a foreign reserve system:
(A)
That is made directly available to a consumer by such entities;
(B)
That is made available to a consumer by such entities indirectly via a contract with a third party or otherwise; or
(C)
That is processed or validated directly by such entities.
(2)
"Governmental agency" means any board, commission, department, authority, other agency, or political subdivision of the state.
(b)
No governmental agency shall accept a payment using central bank digital currency.
(c)
No governmental agency shall participate in any test of central bank digital currency.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 593,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 1 - STATE BOUNDARIES (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-5) › Section 50-2-1 - Boundaries of the state generally

The boundaries of Georgia, as deduced from the Constitution of Georgia, the Convention of Beaufort, the Articles of Cession and Agreement with the United States of America entered into on April 24, 1802, the Resolution of the General Assembly dated December 8, 1826, and the adjudications and compromises affecting Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina are as follows:
From the sea, at the point where the northern edge of the navigable channel of the River Savannah intersects a point three geographical miles east of the ordinary low water mark, generally along the northern edge of the navigable channel up the River Savannah, along the northern edge of the sediment basin to the Tidegate, thence along the stream thereof to the fork or confluence made by the Rivers Keowee and Tugalo, and thence along said River Tugalo until the fork or confluence made by said Tugalo and the River Chattooga, and up and along the same to the point where it touches the northern boundary line of South Carolina, and the southern boundary line of North Carolina, which is at a point on the thirty-fifth parallel of north latitude, reserving all the islands in said Rivers Savannah, Tugalo, and Chattooga, except for the Barnwell Islands and Oyster Bed Island in the Savannah, to Georgia; thence on said line west, to a point where it merges into and becomes the northern boundary line of Alabama - it being the point fixed by the survey of the State of Georgia, and known as Nickajack; thence in a direct line to the great bend of the Chattahoochee River, called Miller's Bend - it being the line run and marked by said survey; and thence along and down the western bank of said Chattahoochee River, along the line or limit of high-water mark, to its junction with the Flint River; thence along a certain line of survey made by Gustavus J. Orr, a surveyor on the part of Georgia, and W. Whitner, a surveyor on the part of Florida, beginning at a fore-and-aft tree about four chains below the junction; thence along this line east, to a point designated 37 links north of Ellicott's Mound on the St. Marys River; thence along the middle of said river to the Atlantic Ocean, and extending therein three geographical miles from ordinary low water along those portions of the coast and coastal islands in direct contact with the open sea or three geographical miles from the line marking the seaward limit of inland waters; thence running in a northerly direction and following the direction of the Atlantic Coast to the point where the northern edge of the navigable channel of the River Savannah intersects a point three geographical miles east of the ordinary low water mark, the place of beginning; including all the lands, waters, islands, and jurisdictional rights within said limits; and also all the islands within three geographical miles of the seacoast.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 1 - STATE BOUNDARIES (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-5) › Section 50-2-3 - Boundary between Georgia and North Carolina and Tennessee

The boundary between Georgia and North Carolina and Georgia and Tennessee shall be the line described as the thirty-fifth parallel of north latitude, from the point of its intersection by the River Chattooga, west to the place called Nickajack.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 1 - STATE BOUNDARIES (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-5) › Section 50-2-4 - Boundary between Georgia and Alabama

The boundary line between Georgia and Alabama shall be the line described from Nickajack to Miller's Bend on the Chattahoochee River, and down said river to its junction with the Flint River.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 1 - STATE BOUNDARIES (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-5) › Section 50-2-5 - Boundary between Georgia and Florida

The boundary line between Georgia and Florida shall be the line described from the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers to the point 37 links north of Ellicott's Mound, on the St. Marys River; thence down said river to the Atlantic Ocean; thence along the middle of the presently existing St. Marys entrance navigational channel to the point of intersection with a hypothetical line connecting the seawardmost points of the jetties now protecting such channel; thence along said line to a control point of latitude 30° 42' 45.6" north, longitude 81° 24' 15.9" west; thence due east to the seaward limit of Georgia as now or hereafter fixed by the Congress of the United States; such boundary to be extended on the same true 90° bearing so far as a need for further delimitation may arise.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-20 - Extent of sovereignty and jurisdiction generally

The sovereignty and jurisdiction of this state extend to all places within the limits of her boundaries except so far as she has voluntarily ceded her sovereignty and jurisdiction over particular localities to the United States or adjacent states.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-21 - Jurisdiction extends to all persons within state limits; court's option to decline jurisdiction

(a)
The jurisdiction of this state and its laws extend to all persons while within its limits, whether as citizens, denizens, or temporary sojourners.
(b)
A court of this state may decline to exercise jurisdiction of any civil cause of action of a nonresident accruing outside this state if there is another forum with jurisdiction of the parties in which the trial can be more appropriately held. In determining the appropriateness of this state or of another forum, the court shall take into account the following factors:
(1)
The place of accrual of the cause of action;
(2)
The location of witnesses;
(3)
The residence or residences of the parties;
(4)
Whether a litigant is attempting to circumvent the applicable statute of limitations of another state; and
(5)
The public factor of the convenience to and burden upon the court.
(c)
Upon a motion filed not later than 90 days after the last day allowed for the filing of the moving party's answer and upon the party's showing that the existing forum constitutes an inconvenient forum based on the factors listed in subsection (b) of this Code section and where there is another forum which can assume jurisdiction, the court may dismiss the action without prejudice to its being filed in any appropriate jurisdiction on any condition or conditions that may be just.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 363, § 5, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-22 - State consent to acquisition by United States of lands for government purposes

The consent of the state is given, in accordance with Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution of the United States, to the acquisition by the United States, by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, of any lands in this state which have been or may be acquired for sites for customs houses, courthouses, post offices, or for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-23 - Exclusive jurisdiction ceded over lands acquired by United States; exceptions

Exclusive jurisdiction in and over any lands acquired by the United States as provided in Code Section
50-2-22
is ceded to the United States for all purposes except service upon such lands of all civil and criminal process of the courts of this state; but the jurisdiction so ceded shall continue no longer than the United States shall own such lands. The state retains its civil and criminal jurisdiction over persons and citizens in the ceded territory, as over other persons and citizens in this state, except as to any ceded territory owned by the United States and used by the Department of Defense and except as to any ceded territory owned by the United States and used by the Department of Justice for penal institutions, custodial institutions, or correctional institutions, but the state retains jurisdiction over the taxation of private property and the regulation of public utility services in any ceded territory. Nothing in this Code section shall interfere with the jurisdiction of the United States over any matter or subjects set out in the acts of Congress donating money for the erection of public buildings for the transaction of its business in this state or with any laws, rules, or regulations that Congress may adopt for the preservation and protection of its property and rights in the ceded territory and the proper maintenance of good order therein.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-23.1 - Lands owned by United States; concurrent jurisdiction authorized; procedure for cession

(a)
The consent of the State of Georgia is given to the cession of concurrent jurisdiction to the United States of America over lands within the boundaries of the State of Georgia that are owned by the United States of America or over which such jurisdiction is necessary for the effective administration and management of the lands owned by the United States.
(b)
Whenever the United States of America desires to acquire concurrent jurisdiction over lands of the type described in subsection (a) of this Code section, application therefor shall be made to the Governor by the principal officer of the agency of the United States having administrative and legal control over the land and shall describe with specificity the lands for which concurrent jurisdiction is sought. For the purpose of this Code section, "legal control" shall include the authority to sell, convey, rent, lease, make covenants, alienate, or otherwise control by lawful means, any and all interests and rights in real property including but not limited to the right of possession to, use of, and travel upon or over relevant lands.
(c)
Upon receipt of an application to acquire concurrent jurisdiction on behalf of the United States over lands of the type described in subsection (a) of this Code section, the Governor is authorized to cede concurrent jurisdiction over such lands to the United States.
(d)
Cession of concurrent jurisdiction shall be effected by means of negotiation and execution of an agreement between the Governor on behalf of the state and the principal officer of the United States agency having administrative and legal control over the land. Any jurisdiction not specifically ceded in any such agreement is reserved to the state. Cession of such concurrent jurisdiction as is ceded by the state in any such agreement shall become effective upon the acceptance by the United States indicated in writing upon the instrument of cession by the authorized official or officials of the United States.
(e)
Nothing contained in this Code section or in any instrument executed pursuant to it shall be construed as consent either to the preemption of any of the laws and regulations of this state or to the exemption of any federal lands from regulation pursuant to the laws and regulations of this state to the extent such lands are subject thereto. Nor shall any provision of this law or any instrument executed pursuant thereto be construed as a limitation or restriction upon the power, right, and authority of the General Assembly to enact laws and authorize the promulgation of regulations.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-24 - Vesting of jurisdiction; exemption from state, county, or municipal charges

The jurisdiction ceded as provided in Code Section
50-2-23
shall not vest until the United States has acquired the title to the lands by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise. As long as the lands remain the property of the United States when acquired by purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, and no longer, the same shall be and continue to be exempt and exonerated from all state, county, and municipal assessment, or other charges which may be levied or imposed under authority of the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-25 - State consent to acquisition by United States of lands for forest and wildlife purposes; concurrent jurisdiction

The consent of the state is given to the acquisition by the United States by purchase, gift, exchange, or by condemnation according to law, of only such lands as may be contracted, proposed, or offered for sale in writing by the ostensible owner to the United States, in which writing the owner consents to such acquisition, of such lands in all those counties in the northern and central portions of the state south to and including the Counties of Stewart, Webster, Marion, Taylor, Upson, Monroe, Jones, Putnam, Greene, Taliaferro, Wilkes, Jasper, Elbert, Warren, Hancock, Oglethorpe, Dodge, Treutlen, Laurens, Butts, and Richmond, and in and around the Okefenokee Swamp as in the opinion of state and federal government officials may be needed for the establishment, consolidation, or extension of national forests, forest experiment stations, wildlife sanctuaries, or for rights of way and land on which to build roads, highways, and bridges in the Okefenokee Swamp or for rights of way and land on which to build roads, highways, and bridges to connect the swamp roads with other highways, or for any development purposes best suited on these lands to be acquired by the United States. The state shall retain concurrent jurisdiction with the United States in and over such lands in all cases insofar as civil process is concerned, and such criminal process as may issue under the authority of the state against any person charged with the commission of any crime outside or within the jurisdiction may be executed thereon in like manner as if this law had not been enacted. In all condemnation proceedings, the rights of the federal government shall be limited to the specific objects set forth by laws of the United States in regard to national forests or wildlife sanctuaries and rights of way on which to build roads, highways, and bridges.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-26 - Reacquisition of jurisdiction over state maintained highways in ceded territory

Upon the concurrence of the United States by its appropriate action, this state shall thereby reacquire civil and criminal jurisdiction over persons and citizens found upon any highway or road maintained and used by this state for highway purposes within any ceded territory owned by the United States and used by the Department of Defense.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-27 - Retrocession of jurisdiction over lands owned by the United States

(a)
The consent of this state is given to the retrocession of jurisdiction, either partially or wholly, by the United States over land owned by the United States within the boundaries of this state; and the Governor is authorized to accept for the state such retrocession of jurisdiction.
(b)
Retrocession of jurisdiction shall be effected upon written notice by the principal officer of the agency of the United States having supervision and control over the land to the Governor, such notice describing the land by metes and bounds and specifying the nature of the jurisdiction therein to be retroceded to the state and the entry of acceptance upon the written notice by the Governor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 2 - BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTION OF THE STATE (§§ 50-2-1 — 50-2-28) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 50-2-20 — 50-2-28) › Section 50-2-28 - Capitol Square designated; state control and jurisdiction over buildings and grounds; Governor authorized to deed part of grounds for traffic movement

(a)
The following area is designated as "Capitol Square":
(1)
The property owned by this state and the sidewalks and streets within the area in the City of Atlanta bounded by Washington Street, Trinity Avenue, Memorial Drive, Capitol Avenue, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; and
(2)
The buildings and property owned and operated by the Georgia Building Authority which are located on or bounded by Central Avenue, Trinity Avenue, Memorial Drive, Capitol Avenue, Jessie Hill, Jr. Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Peachtree Street, and Marietta Street.
(b)
The state shall have the same control and jurisdiction over the use of the buildings and grounds owned by the state and designated as Capitol Square as have been authorized by law for the control and supervision of the public property formerly known as the State Capitol Buildings and Grounds.
(c)
The Governor is authorized and empowered to deed, upon unanimous approval of the Governor, an appointee of the Governor who is not the Attorney General, and state auditor, upon such terms and conditions as they may deem to be to the best interests of the state, to the City of Atlanta or other appropriate governmental entity such part of the grounds owned by the state and facing Capitol Avenue that is deemed necessary and essential to widen, straighten, and improve Capitol Avenue at the entrance to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, so as to route traffic to such other property which is essential or necessary to aid in the movement of traffic around Capitol Square.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 379,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-2 - Pledge of allegiance to state flag

The following is adopted as the pledge of allegiance to the state flag:
"I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands: Wisdom, Justice, Moderation, and Courage."
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 788,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-3 - Display of state flag

The state flag shall be displayed on appropriate occasions in the public and private schools of this state and in all patriotic meetings, and the citizens of the state are requested to take the pledge of allegiance set out in Code Section
50-3-2
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-4 - Designation of Secretary of State as custodian of state flag; procurement and furnishing of flags

The Secretary of State is designated as the custodian of the state flag. From funds made available for such purpose, the Secretary of State shall procure suitable state flags; and he shall be authorized to furnish, without cost, to the various public schools of this state, to the superior and state courts, and to other departments and agencies of the state, counties, or municipal authorities, such flags for their use in displaying same. From such funds he is authorized also to procure such flags and facsimiles thereof as may cause the flag sufficiently and properly to be made known and displayed.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-4.1 - Schools, institutions, and agencies authorized to display national motto and American and Georgia flags; means of acquisition

(a)
Local school superintendents of the public schools in this state and the appropriate administrative officials of the various institutions and agencies of this state, provided that sufficient funds or the items themselves are available as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, are authorized to place a durable poster or framed copy representing the following which may be displayed in each public elementary and secondary school library and classroom in this state and in each public building or facility in this state which is maintained or operated by state funds:
(1)
Our national motto, "In God We Trust";
(2)
A true and correct representation of the American flag, which shall be centered under the national motto; and
(3)
A true and correct representation of the Georgia state flag.
(b)
The copies or posters authorized by this Code section shall either be donated or shall be purchased solely with funds made available through voluntary contributions to the local school boards in the case of displays in public schools or to the Georgia Building Authority in the case of displays in state buildings and facilities.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-5 - Preservation of Confederate flags

The flags of the Georgia troops who served in the army of the Confederate States, and which have been returned to the state by the United States government, shall be preserved for all time in the capitol as priceless mementos of the cause they represented and of the heroism and patriotism of the men who bore them.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-6 - Display of Spanish-American War flags

The flags of the Georgia regiments which engaged in the Spanish-American War shall be displayed in the corridors of the capitol in a manner similar to those of the Confederate regiments.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-7 - Duty of Governor to accept flags

When any flag referred to in Code Section
50-3-5
or
50-3-6
is offered to the state, it shall be the duty of the Governor to accept it in behalf of the state and to make such provisions for its preservation as may be necessary to protect and preserve it from the ravages of time, dust, and moths.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-8 - Use of certain flags and symbols for advertising, selling, or promoting the sale of merchandise unlawful; exception

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to copy, print, publish, or otherwise use the flag of the United States, the flag, coat of arms, or state emblem of the State of Georgia, or the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America, or any flag or emblem used by the Confederate States of America or the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America at any time within the years 1860 to 1865, both inclusive, for the purpose of advertising, selling, or promoting the sale of any article of merchandise whatever within this state.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, any person, firm, or corporation which contracts with the state to publish an official Code shall be authorized to use the state emblem on the cover of the publication. Utilization by the contracting person, firm, or corporation of the cover of the publication, with the state emblem thereon, for advertising purposes shall not constitute a violation of subsection (a) of this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-9 - Abuse of certain flags and symbols unlawful

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to mutilate, deface, defile, or abuse contemptuously the flag of the United States, the flag, coat of arms, or emblem of the State of Georgia, or the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America by any act whatever.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-10 - Use of flag for decorative or patriotic purposes

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the use of the flag of the United States or any flag, standard, color, shield, ensign, or other insignia of the State of Georgia or of the Confederate States of America for decorative or patriotic purposes, either inside or outside of any residence, store, place of business, public building, or school building.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-11 - Penalty

Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of Code Section
50-3-8
or
50-3-9
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-12 - State flags to honor service of deceased qualifying elected state officials

(a)
The purpose of this Code section is to recognize and honor those men and women who have dedicated their lives to public service through the representation of the citizens of this state and, in devoted service thereto, safeguarded the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the State of Georgia. To carry out this purpose, the Secretary of State shall, from funds made available for such purpose, furnish, without cost, a state flag to honor the service of a deceased qualifying elected state official, which state flag may be displayed in the funeral service of the deceased elected state official and thereafter given to the elected state official's estate.
(b)
For purposes of this Code section, a "qualifying elected state official" is an official elected to serve in a state position and shall include members of the Georgia General Assembly and any official elected by state-wide or local election to serve in a constitutionally created executive or judicial position or elected position on any constitutionally established board or commission. A person committing or convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude during or subsequent to holding office or who has been impeached or otherwise removed from public office shall not be considered a "qualifying elected state official."
(c)
The Secretary of State is authorized to administer the recognition program set forth in this Code section and to provide rules and regulations and enter into contracts necessary for the administration of the provisions and the purposes set forth in this Code section.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 18,§ 50, eff. 5/11/2007.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 511,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
See 2006 Ga. Laws 511, § 2.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-13 - State flags to honor service of deceased qualifying public safety officers

(a)
The purpose of this Code section is to recognize and honor those brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to the public safety of the citizens of this state and, in devoted service thereto, contributed to the safety, security, and individual freedom of the citizens of the State of Georgia. To carry out this purpose, the Secretary of State shall, if requested, from funds made available for such purpose, furnish, without cost, a state flag to honor the service of a deceased qualifying public safety officer, which state flag may be displayed in the funeral service of the deceased public safety officer and thereafter given to the officer's estate.
(b)
For purposes of this Code section, a "qualifying public safety officer" is a peace officer, as defined in Code Section
35-8-2
, sheriff, or firefighter, emergency medical technician, or emergency rescue specialist, as each is defined in Code Section
45-9-81
, or member of the Georgia National Guard. In addition, "qualifying public safety officer" is an officer killed in the line of duty or an officer who has served as a qualifying public safety officer for a period of not less than five years. A person committing or convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude or whose certification or license to practice as a public safety officer is revoked or terminated shall not be considered a "qualifying public safety officer."
(c)
It shall be the duty of any state or local agency with knowledge of the death of a qualifying public safety officer who is an employee of such agency or who retired from such agency to notify the Secretary of State's office for the purpose of providing a state flag to the deceased's estate. Any advocacy group representing the deceased or the deceased's department may also contact the Secretary of State on behalf of a deceased qualifying public safety officer.
(d)
The Secretary of State is authorized to administer the recognition program set forth in this Code section and to provide rules and regulations and enter into contracts necessary for the administration of the provisions and the purposes set forth in this Code section.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 18,§ 50, eff. 5/11/2007.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 651,§ 1, eff. 4/28/2006.
See 2006 Ga. Laws 651, § 2.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 1 - STATE AND OTHER FLAGS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-14) › Section 50-3-14 - Display of Honor and Remember flag; symbolism; manufacturing; guidelines; procurement and distribution

(a)
The Honor and Remember flag is designated as the state's emblem of the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States armed forces who have given their lives in the line of duty.
(b)
The Honor and Remember flag may be displayed, in a manner designed to ensure visibility to the public:
(1)
At the following locations:
(A)
Any state-owned building at which the United States flag is displayed;
(B)
Any state-owned military memorials; or
(C)
Any other state-owned location;
(2)
On the following days:
(A)
Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May;
(B)
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May;
(C)
Flag Day, June 14;
(D)
Independence Day, July 4;
(E)
National POW-MIA Recognition Day, the third Friday in September;
(F)
Veterans Day, November 11;
(G)
Gold Star Mother's Day, the last Sunday in September; and
(H)
A day on which a member of the United States armed forces who is a resident of the state loses his or her life in the line of duty; and
(3)
With no more than two additional flags when displayed together on a flagpole.
(c)
A flag displayed pursuant to this Code section must be manufactured in the United States.
(d)
A local government may display the flag in accordance with subparagraphs (b)(2)(C) and (b)(2)(D) of this Code section at any local government building at which the United States flag is displayed and at any other local government location it deems appropriate.
(e)
Any department or agency responsible for a location specified in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section, or a local government pursuant to subsection (d) of this Code section, may adopt guidelines as necessary to carry out the purpose of this Code section, provided that such guidelines may not require an employee to report to work solely to display the flag.
(f)
After July 1, 2019, the Department of Administrative Services may begin procurement and distribution of the flag as necessary to comply with this Code section.
Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 150,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 3 - STATE FLAG, SEAL, AND OTHER SYMBOLS (§§ 50-3-1 — 50-3-120) › Article 2 - GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE (§§ 50-3-30 — 50-3-32) › Section 50-3-30 - Description; custody

(a)
The Secretary of State shall keep the great seal of the state adopted August 17, 1914, and on deposit in the office of the Secretary of State. The seal shall be either of silver or of some harder and more durable metal or composition of metals, 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
(b)
The device on one side is a view of the seashore, with a ship bearing the flag of the United States riding at anchor near a wharf, receiving on board hogsheads of tobacco and bales of cotton, emblematic of the exports of this state; at a small distance a boat, landing from the interior of the state, with hogsheads, etc., on board, representing the state's internal traffic; in the back part of the same side a man in the act of plowing; and at a small distance a flock of sheep in different postures, shaded by a flourishing tree. The motto inscribed thereon is "Agriculture and Commerce, 1776."
(c)
The device on the other side is three pillars supporting an arch, with the word "Constitution" engraved within the same, emblematic of the Constitution, supported by the three departments of government, namely the legislative, judicial, and executive. The first pillar has engraved upon a scroll "Wisdom," the second, "Justice," the third, "Moderation"; between the second and third pillars a man stands with a drawn sword, representing the aid of the military in the defense of the Constitution, and the motto is "State of Georgia, 1776."
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 1, § 3, eff. 1/31/2001.