reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-257 - Contents of application for registration

(a)
All applications to the department for registration as a seller of domestic fish 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 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-258 - Filing of application as admission of doing business in state

The filing of an application with the department for registration as a seller of domestic fish shall constitute an admission by the applicant that the applicant is doing business in this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-259 - Denial of registration

(a)
The Commissioner may deny registration 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; or
(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.
(b)
In the case of a partnership, all parties shall be considered applicants for the purpose of this Code section.
(c)
No registration shall be denied under this article without opportunity for hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-260 - Revocation of registration

The Commissioner may revoke any outstanding registration 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 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 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-261 - Certificate as evidence of registration; list of persons registered

All registration certificates issued by the department shall be evidence of a registration. The department shall maintain a current list of all persons registered under this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 6 - AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (§§ 27-4-251 — 27-4-263) › Section 27-4-262 - Rules and regulations

The board shall make and publish in print or electronically such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this article.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 615,§ 10, eff. 6/3/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 7 - LIMITED LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS (§§ 27-4-280 — 27-4-283) › Section 27-4-280 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly recognizes that persons who participate in the sport of fishing may incur injuries as a result of the risks involved in such activity. The General Assembly also finds that the state and its citizens derive numerous economic and personal benefits from such activity. The General Assembly finds, determines, and declares that this article is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. It is, therefore, the intent of the General Assembly to encourage the sport of fishing by limiting the civil liability of those involved in such activity.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 7 - LIMITED LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS (§§ 27-4-280 — 27-4-283) › Section 27-4-281 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Fishing location" means a body of water, whether naturally occurring or manmade, containing fish and for the privilege of fishing there a fee is charged.
(2)
"Participant" means any person who enters the fishing location, singly or with a group, either by paying a fee or having the fee waived, for the purpose of fishing, education, or enjoying the outdoor environment and any person who accompanies such person.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 7 - LIMITED LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS (§§ 27-4-280 — 27-4-283) › Section 27-4-282 - Immunity from liability for injury or death; exceptions

(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the owner or operator of any fishing location, or any other person, corporation, group, partnership, or other entity, shall not be liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of fishing, including but not limited to drowning, and, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, no participant or participant's representative shall make any claim against, maintain an action against, or recover from an owner or operator, or any other person or entity for injury, loss, damage, or death of the participant resulting from any of the inherent risks of fishing.
(b)
Nothing in subsection (a) of this Code section shall prevent or limit the liability of an owner or operator or any other person or entity if the owner or operator:
(1)
Owns, leases, rents, or otherwise is in lawful possession and control of the land or facilities upon which the participant sustained injuries because of a dangerous latent condition which was known or should have been known to the owner or operator and for which signs warning of the latent defect have not been conspicuously posted;
(2)
Commits an act or omission that constitutes willful or wanton disregard for the safety of the participant, and that act or omission caused the injury; or
(3)
Intentionally injures the participant.
(c)
Nothing in subsection (a) of this Code section shall prevent or limit the liability of an owner or operator under liability provisions as set forth in the products liability laws.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 4 - FISH (§§ 27-4-1 — 27-4-283) › Article 7 - LIMITED LIABILITY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SPORT FISHING LOCATIONS (§§ 27-4-280 — 27-4-283) › Section 27-4-283 - Warning sign to be posted; contents of warning sign

(a)
Every owner and operator of a fishing location shall post and maintain signs which contain the warning notice specified in subsection (b) of this Code section. Such signs shall be placed in a clearly visible location on or near the water and at the location where the fee is paid. The warning notice specified in subsection (b) of this Code section shall appear on the sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch in height. Every written contract entered into by an owner or operator shall contain in clearly readable print the warning notice specified in subsection (b) of this Code section.
(b)
The signs and contracts described in subsection (a) of this Code section shall contain the following warning notice:
WARNING
Under Georgia law, an owner or operator of a fishing location is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant from the inherent risks of fishing, including but not limited to drowning, pursuant to Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
(c)
Failure to comply with the requirements concerning warning signs and notices provided in this Code section shall prevent an owner or operator from invoking the privileges of immunity provided by this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-1 - Legislative intent and findings

The General Assembly finds and declares that it is in the public interest to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare by strictly regulating in this state the importation, transportation, sale, transfer, and possession of those wild animals which pose a possibility of:
(1)
Harmful competition for wildlife;
(2)
The introduction of a disease or pest harmful to wildlife;
(3)
Problems of enforcing laws and regulations relative to wildlife;
(4)
Threatening wildlife or other natural resources; or
(5)
Endangering the physical safety of human beings.
The importation, transportation, sale, transfer, and possession of wild animals are privileges not to be granted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that such actions can be accomplished in a manner that does not pose unnecessary risk to Georgia's wildlife and other natural resources or to the citizens of and visitors to this state. For these reasons, the General Assembly further finds and declares that only certain wild animals may be held for scientific or educational purposes, for public exhibition, or as pets and may only be lawfully held when the requirements of this chapter are met. The General Assembly further finds and declares that any wild animal for which a license or permit, or both, is required under the provisions of this chapter and for which no such license or permit, or both, has been obtained is a nuisance and is contraband and is subject to seizure by any peace officer authorized to enforce this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-2 - Powers of board generally

(a)
The board shall have the authority to regulate the importation, transportation, sale, and possession of wild animals when and to the extent that the importation, transportation, sale, or possession poses a possibility of:
(1)
Harmful competition for wildlife;
(2)
The introduction of a disease or pest harmful to wildlife;
(3)
Problems of enforcement of laws and regulations relating to wildlife;
(4)
Danger to wildlife or other natural resources; or
(5)
Danger to the physical safety of human beings.
(b)
The board is specifically authorized to supplement the list of wild animals set forth in this chapter for which a permit or license, or both, is required.
(c)
The board shall have the authority to require that any listed wild animal that is imported, transported, possessed, sold, or transferred by any person, including wild animal dealers, be labeled with the correct species, number, age, or other relevant information.
(d)
The board shall have the authority to require an applicant for a permit or license required under this chapter to supply such information and to supply it in such form as the board deems necessary for the department to discharge its responsibilities under this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-2.1 - Definitions; importation restrictions; prohibition on possession of cervid carcasses

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Cervid" means a member of the family cervidae.
(2)
"Chronic wasting disease" means a fatal disease that belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and that affects the brains of cervids.
(3)
"Importation" means the transportation of a cervid, cervid carcass, or carcass part into this state.
(4)
"Whole" means the entire carcass, whether eviscerated or not, prior to the carcass being processed.
(b)
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, or association to import, bring, or cause to be imported or brought into this state any live cervid, except as otherwise authorized by rule or regulation of the board in effect as of January 1, 2007, or such later date as may be provided by Code Section
27-1-39
.
(2)
(A)
Any person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,500.00 nor more than $5,000.00, imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
(B)
The hunting and fishing privileges of any person convicted of violating paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be suspended for not less than three years from the date of conviction.
(c)
It shall be unlawful for any person to import or possess a whole cervid carcass or cervid carcass part from any place outside of Georgia, except for any one or more of the following cervid carcass parts:
(1)
Boned-out meat or products thereof;
(2)
Antlers, skulls, skull plates, teeth, or jawbones with no soft tissue attached;
(3)
Hides with no heads attached; and
(4)
Finished taxidermy mounts.
(d)
Upon the detection of chronic wasting disease in this state or any county adjacent to the borders of this state, the department shall have the authority to restrict the movement or transport of cervid carcasses, or carcass parts within this state. A violation of any such restriction shall be treated as a violation of this Code section.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 864,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 520,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2006.
See 2006 Ga. Laws 520, § 5.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-3 - Powers of department generally

(a)
The department shall have the authority to prescribe the form and contents for the license and permit applications provided for in this chapter.
(b)
The department shall issue or deny all permits and licenses required by this chapter and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.
(c)
The department may, prior to a hearing, issue a cease and desist order or other appropriate order to any person who is violating this chapter or any regulation, permit, or license issued pursuant to this chapter.
(d)
The department may quarantine or otherwise dispose of or order the disposition of any wild animal when it determines that the wild animal is affected with or exposed to a contagious or infectious disease or is infested with a parasite or pest harmful to wildlife.
(e)
The department shall have the authority, based upon the standards set forth in Code Section
27-5-6
, to determine if the necessary facilities, conditions, and standards prescribed by this chapter are sufficient for safety to the public and for the humane handling, care, confinement, and transportation of the wild animal for which application for a permit or license, or both, has been received. The department shall be authorized to make such determinations by inspecting the facilities of the permit or license holder. Following such determination, the department also has the authority to condition the license or permit so that the standards and intent of this chapter are met.
(f)
The department is authorized to capture and contain any wild animal regulated by this chapter which has escaped or been released when such wild animal is determined by the department to pose a risk to Georgia's wildlife or other natural resources or to the citizens of and visitors to this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-7 - Release or escape from captivity

It shall be unlawful for any person to release from captivity any wild animal as defined in paragraph (75) of Code Section
27-1-2
or to import, transport, sell, transfer, or possess such a wild animal in such a manner so as to cause its release or escape from captivity. In the event a person imports, transports, sells, transfers, or possesses a wild animal in such a manner so as to pose a reasonable possibility that such wild animal may be released accidentally or escape from captivity, the department may revoke the license or permit, or both, of such person pursuant to the procedure set forth in Code Section
27-2-25
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-8 - Seizure of wild animals as contraband; civil action to recover animals

(a)
Peace officers authorized to enforce this chapter may seize as contraband any wild animal for which a permit or license, or both, is required and for which no permit or license, or both, has been obtained.
(b)
When any peace officer authorized to enforce this chapter has seized as contraband any wild animal, he shall deliver the same to the department. To recover such wild animal, the owner or the person in possession of the wild animal at the time of seizure may file, in the state or superior court having jurisdiction in the county where the seizure was made, a civil action against the State of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, within 30 days following such seizure. The person filing the action shall have the burden of proof of showing that the wild animal was not held in violation of this title, and the action shall be tried as other civil cases in such court. The wild animal for which the action has been filed shall be held pending the resolution of the action. Reasonable charges for storage shall be paid to the department by the owner and the person in possession of the wild animal at the time of seizure unless it is determined that the seizure was unlawful.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-9 - Seizure of wild animals pursuant to administrative order; appeal

(a)
Authorized personnel of the department may seize any wild animal regulated by this chapter pursuant to an administrative order or an emergency administrative order issued by the department.
(b)
In the event that any person is adversely affected by a seizure pursuant to an administrative order or emergency administrative order issued by the department, such person shall be entitled to appeal such order pursuant to subsection (d) of Code Section
27-1-37
.
(c)
Any wild animal seized under this Code section shall be held until the expiration of the time for filing any administrative appeal and, if such an appeal is filed, pending the resolution of this appeal. Reasonable charges for storage shall be paid to the department by the owner and the person in possession of the wild animal at the time of seizure unless it is determined that the seizure was unlawful.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-10 - Disposal of wild animals recaptured after escape or seized under this title

(a)
The commissioner may authorize the disposal of any wild animal regulated by this chapter which has escaped and been recaptured or any wild animal which has been seized under this title. Such disposal shall be in the manner determined by the commissioner to be in the best interest of the state and shall not be in violation of this title, provided that no such disposal shall be made until there has been a final adjudication of any civil or administrative proceeding commenced by any person authorized to do so by this title.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, when a wild animal regulated by this chapter has escaped, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee may authorize the destruction of the wild animal by employees or agents if it is determined that the wild animal poses a threat to the safety of human beings, threatens the well-being of wildlife populations, or if it is determined that there is very little likelihood that the wild animal can be recaptured.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-11 - Wild animal auction license; applications; filing requirements

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "auction" means a public or private sale of wild animals to the highest bidder.
(b)
No person shall conduct an auction of wild animals without first obtaining a wild animal auction license from the department. Such license shall be good only for a specific auction of not more than seven days in duration at a single location.
(c)
All applications for a wild animal auction license shall include:
(1)
A $5,000.00 wild animal auction license fee which shall be refunded if the application is denied;
(2)
A cash bond or surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this state in the amount of $50,000.00 made payable to the commissioner and conditioned upon the applicant's conducting the auction in accordance with this chapter, any regulations issued by the board pursuant to this chapter, and the terms and conditions of the applicant's wild animal auction license;
(3)
A description by species and number of the wild animals to be sold at auction and plans of the facilities to be used to house such wild animals which include an explanation of which facilities are to house which animals;
(4)
A certificate or policy of insurance issued to the auctioneer and the owner of the auction facilities meeting all the requirements of subsection (f) of Code Section
27-5-4
if any wild animals inherently dangerous to human beings are to be sold at auction;
(5)
A description of facilities to be provided for the obtainment of any insurance required by subsection (f) of Code Section
27-5-4
for persons who buy wild animals at the auction and an affidavit from an officer or agent of such an insurer that it is ready, willing, and able to provide such insurance;
(6)
Authorization for the department to inspect the proposed facilities for the auction prior to a determination on the application and, if the application is granted, at any time thereafter until all wild animals have been removed from the premises of the auction;
(7)
Copies of all materials to be distributed to the public or potential participants about the auction; and
(8)
Such other information as the commissioner deems necessary for the department to discharge its responsibilities under this Code section.
(d)
No application for a wild animal auction license shall be considered unless it is filed and completed at least 60 days prior to the proposed auction. The department shall have 30 days to respond to a completed application.
(e)
All other provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation, those relating to licensing, insurance, humane handling, care, confinement and transportation of wild animals, and seizure and disposal of wild animals shall be applicable to a wild animal auction and any participants therein.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 27 - GAME AND FISH (§§ 27-1-1 — 27-5-12) › Chapter 5 - WILD ANIMALS (§§ 27-5-1 — 27-5-12) › Section 27-5-12 - Shooting of any wild animal held under wild animal permit or farmed deer

It shall be unlawful to shoot, kill, or wound any wild animal held under a wild animal license or permit or any farmed deer for enjoyment, gain, amusement, or sport. This Code section does not prohibit:
(1)
A licensed veterinarian from diagnosing, treating, or performing other duties within the standards of veterinary practice on a farmed deer;
(2)
The slaughter of wild animals or farmed deer in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (16) of Code Section
27-5-6
and with the laws of this state relating to the slaughter of livestock; or
(3)
The recapture or disposal of farmed deer which have escaped and which have become classified as wild animals pursuant to Code Section
4-4-174
or the disposal of wild animals according to Code Section
27-5-10
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-1 - Membership and apportionment of General Assembly

(a)
There shall be 180 members of the House of Representatives, and such membership shall be apportioned among the representative districts provided for in Chapter 2 of this title.
(b)
There shall be 56 members of the Senate, and such membership shall be apportioned among the senatorial districts provided for in Chapter 2 of this title.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-2 - Time and place of meetings

The meetings of the General Assembly shall be held as prescribed in Article III, Section IV, Paragraph I of the Constitution of Georgia. The Senate shall convene daily at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise ordered by the Senate. The House shall convene daily at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise ordered by the House. The General Assembly shall meet at the state capitol.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-3 - Initial organization

The Senate and the House of Representatives shall be organized by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives who shall be ex officio presiding officer until a presiding officer is elected. No question except one relating to the organization shall be entertained by such officer; and, in deciding such question, he shall be governed, as far as practicable, by the standing rules of the house over which he presides. In the absence of such officer, his assistant may officiate. In the absence of both, the body may appoint a chairman whose powers and duties shall be the same as those of the Secretary or Clerk.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-4 - Form and administration of oath of office to members

(a)
In addition to any other oath prescribed by law, each Senator and Representative, before taking the seat to which elected, shall take the following oath:
"I do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of this state and of the United States and, on all questions and measures which may come before me, I will so conduct myself, as will, in my judgment, be most conducive to the interests and prosperity of this state."
(b)
The oath of office prescribed by subsection (a) of this Code section may be administered to the members of the General Assembly by any Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of the Court of Appeals, judge of the superior courts, or judge of the state courts. Such Justice or judge shall be procured by the person organizing each branch.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-5 - Commission of members

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to prepare and furnish to each member of the General Assembly, after the member has taken his oath of office, a commission under the signature of the Secretary of State, containing the great seal of the state, showing that the member is a duly elected member of the General Assembly of Georgia, and showing any prior serving in either house of the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-6 - Powers and duties of President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives

While presiding or in the absence of the President of the Senate, the President Pro Tempore shall have the same powers and duties as the President of the Senate. While presiding or in the absence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Speaker Pro Tempore shall have the same powers and duties as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-6.1 - Method for determining permanent disability of Speaker of the House of Representatives

Upon a petition of 20 members of the majority caucus of the House of Representatives being filed with the Clerk of the House that the Speaker of the House is unable to perform the duties of that office because of physical or mental disability, the Clerk shall make a copy of the petition for the records of his office and shall transmit, within three days, the original to the chairman of the majority caucus along with his certificate as to the date and time on which the petition was filed with him. The chairman shall call a meeting of the caucus to be held within five days from the date he receives the petition and certificate from the Clerk. Such meeting shall be for the purpose of holding a hearing on the petition and the caucus shall adopt rules for the conduct of the hearing. After the hearing the members of the caucus shall vote and if a majority of the membership of the caucus votes that there is a disability and that such disability is permanent the office shall be declared vacant and the Speaker Pro Tempore shall become Speaker and serve until a Speaker is elected.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-7 - Failure of officer to organize emergency session

If any officer of either branch of the General Assembly shall fail or refuse to perform any of his duties in completing the organization of an emergency session, as provided for in Article V, Section II, Paragraph VII(b) of the Constitution of Georgia, his office may, upon the majority vote of the membership of the branch, be declared vacant, as often as may be necessary, and his successor elected as provided by the rules of the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-8.1 - Failure of members to file state income tax returns

(a)
The state revenue commissioner shall be required to report to the chairperson of the Senate Ethics Committee the name of any Senator who has not filed a Georgia personal income tax return required by law to be filed by the Senator or is a defaulter for state income taxes in violation of Article II, Section II, Paragraph III of the Constitution. The state revenue commissioner shall be required to report to the chairperson of the House Committee on Ethics the name of any Representative who has not filed a Georgia personal income tax return required by law to be filed by the Representative or is a defaulter for state income taxes in violation of Article II, Section II, Paragraph III of the Constitution.
(b)
The state revenue commissioner shall give written notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery of any report under this Code section to the member of the General Assembly who is to be named at least 30 days prior to making such report.
(c)
Upon receipt of a report under this Code section, the chairperson of the committee to whom the report is made shall undertake an appropriate investigation of the matter and report the findings of the investigation to the presiding officer of his or her chamber.
(d)
Nothing in this Code section shall apply with respect to a tax return for which the taxpayer has timely applied for and received an unexpired extension of time to file.
(e)
The provisions of this Code section shall control over the provisions of Code Section
48-7-60
or any other law relating to confidential treatment of state income tax return information.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 109,§ 7, eff. 5/4/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-9 - Service in General Assembly to be credited to pension plan of employee of political subdivision

Any person employed by any political subdivision or elected to an office therein on or after March 6, 1962, who, by reason of such office or employment, is eligible for pension benefits under any local system and who, prior to such employment, was a member of the General Assembly of Georgia shall receive credit for time served in the General Assembly in the computation of the service required to become eligible to retire and receive a pension. In computing such credit, such person shall be credited for a full year for each year's membership in the General Assembly of Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-10 - Seals of the General Assembly and of each house

Authority is granted for the General Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate each to have a seal. The Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Clerk of the House are authorized to use the seal of the General Assembly. The Lieutenant Governor and the Secretary of the Senate are authorized to use the seal of the Senate. The Speaker of the House and the Clerk of the House are authorized to use the seal of the House of Representatives. The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to provide three seals of the General Assembly, placing one in the custody of the Secretary of the Senate, placing one in the custody of the Clerk of the House, and retaining custody of one. He shall provide two seals of the Senate, placing one in the custody of the Secretary of the Senate and retaining custody of one. He shall provide two seals of the House of Representatives, placing one in the custody of the Clerk of the House and retaining custody of one.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-11 - Maintenance of engrossed and enrolled bills and resolutions; Secretary of State to publish enrolled Acts

The engrossed copies of all bills and of all resolutions intended to have the effect of law passed by either house of the General Assembly shall be preserved by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. The enrolled copies of all bills and of all resolutions intended to have the effect of law, which, when signed by the Governor, become enrolled Acts, shall be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall provide for the publication of such Acts.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-12 - Election of state officers for whom manner and time of election not provided

Every state officer whose election is not otherwise provided for shall be elected by the General Assembly in the same manner and at the same time as other officers are elected by the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-13 - Eligibility of elected county or municipal officials for membership in General Assembly

No elected county or municipal official shall be eligible to serve as a member of the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-14 - Notice of intention to introduce local bill; copies to governing authorities

(a)
No local bill shall become law unless notice of the intention to introduce such bill shall have been advertised in the newspaper in which the sheriff's advertisements for the locality affected are published one time before the bill is introduced. Such advertisement must be not more than 60 days prior to the convening date of the session at which the bill is introduced. After the advertisement has been published the bill may be introduced at any time during that session unless the advertisement is published during the session, in which event the bill may not be introduced before Monday of the calendar week following the week in which the advertisement is published.
(b)
No local bill amending the charter of a municipality or the enabling Act of the governing authority of a county or a consolidated government shall become law unless a copy of the notice of the intention to introduce local legislation required by subsection (a) of this Code section is mailed, transmitted by facsimile, or otherwise provided to the governing authority of any county, municipality, or consolidated government referred to in the bill during the calendar week in which such notice is published as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section or during the seven days immediately following the date of publication of such notice. A single notice sent by United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the governing authority of the county, municipality, or consolidated government at the official address of such governing authority shall satisfy the requirement of this subsection. If such notice is mailed, the notice requirement of this subsection shall be presumed to have been met by depositing the copy of the required notice in the United States mail. For purposes of this subsection, the copy of the notice provided to such governing authority may consist of an actual or photostatic copy of the published notice or a typed restatement of the contents of such notice.
(c)
A copy of the notice as it was advertised and an affidavit stating that the notice has been published as provided by this Code section and that the notice requirements of this Code section have been met shall be attached to the bill and shall become a part of the bill. Such affidavit shall be made by the author of the bill.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 868, § 1, eff. 5/14/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-1-17) › Section 28-1-17 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2024 Ga. Laws 609,§ 4-1, eff. 5/6/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 2 - APPORTIONMENT OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATE; QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS (§§ 28-2-1 — 28-2-2) › Section 28-2-1 - Apportionment and qualifications for the House of Representatives

(a)
(1)
There shall be 180 members of the House of Representatives.
(2)
The General Assembly by general law shall divide the state into 180 representative districts which shall consist of either a portion of a county or a county or counties or any combination thereof and shall be represented by one Representative elected only by the electors of such district.
(b)
A member of the House of Representatives shall be a resident of the district which such member represents and at the time of such member's election shall have been a resident of the territory embraced within such district for at least one year preceding such time.
Added by 2011SP Ga. Laws 1,§ 3, eff. 8/24/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 2 - APPORTIONMENT OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATE; QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS (§§ 28-2-1 — 28-2-2) › Section 28-2-2 - Apportionment and qualifications for the Senate

(a)
There shall be 56 members of the Senate. The General Assembly shall by general law divide the state into 56 Senate districts which shall be composed of a portion of a county or a county or counties or a combination thereof and shall be represented by one Senator elected only by the electors of such district.
(b)
A member of the Senate shall be a resident of the district which such member represents and at the time of such member's election shall have been a resident of the territory embraced within such district for at least one year preceding such time.
Added by 2011SP Ga. Laws 2,§ 3, eff. 8/24/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§ 28-3-1) › Section 28-3-1 - Doorkeeper and messenger in House of Representatives; sergeant-at-arms in Senate

The House of Representatives is entitled to a doorkeeper and a messenger who shall perform such duties as may be required of them, who shall be elected as provided for the election of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and who shall be compensated as provided by resolution of the House of Representatives. The Senate is entitled to a sergeant-at-arms who shall perform such duties as may be required of him, who shall be elected by the Senate, and who shall be compensated as provided by resolution of the Senate.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-20 - Election and term of office; procedure for filling vacancies

(a)
There shall be a Secretary of the Senate and a Clerk of the House of Representatives, elected by the members of each house respectively by recorded vote; and a majority of votes cast is necessary to elect. Their terms of office shall be the time for which the members of the General Assembly are elected and until their successors are elected.
(b)
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Clerk of the House or the permanent disability of the Clerk of the House, the Speaker shall appoint a duly qualified person to succeed to the office of Clerk of the House. Any question concerning the existence of permanent disability of the Clerk of the House shall be determined by the Speaker with the concurrence of a majority of the chairmen of the standing committees of the House. Any person succeeding to the office of Clerk of the House pursuant to this subsection shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(c)
(1)
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary of the Senate while the Senate is not in session or the permanent disability of the Secretary of the Senate while the Senate is not in session, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint a duly qualified person to succeed to the office of Secretary of the Senate. Any person succeeding to the office of Secretary of the Senate pursuant to this paragraph shall serve until the next session of the General Assembly, at which time the Senate shall elect a duly qualified person to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term, if any.
(2)
In the event of a vacancy in the office of the Secretary of the Senate while the Senate is in session or the permanent disability of the Secretary of the Senate while the Senate is in session, the Senate shall elect a duly qualified person to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(3)
Any question concerning the existence of permanent disability of the Secretary of the Senate shall be determined by the President of the Senate with the concurrence of a majority of the chairmen of the standing committees of the Senate.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-21 - [Repealed] Bond for discharge of duties

Repealed by 2006 Ga. Laws 479,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-22 - Duties when both branches of the General Assembly meet in single chamber

When there is a meeting of both branches of the General Assembly in one chamber, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall be present and join in the discharge of the duties required, and each shall enter the proceedings in the journal of his respective house.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-23 - Compensation, expenses, and allowances; travel expenses

(a)
The Secretary of the Senate shall receive such compensation, expenses, and allowances as shall be provided by resolution of the Senate; and the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall receive such compensation, expenses, and allowances as shall be provided by resolution of the House of Representatives.
(b)
The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall receive traveling expenses when traveling in the service of the state by motor vehicle as provided for in Code Section
50-19-7
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-24 - Procedure for distributing bills, resolutions, and other documents; fees

The Legislative Services Committee shall provide a procedure for the distribution by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives of bills, resolutions, calendars, status sheets, and other documents. Such procedure may be changed from time to time by the committee and may include a schedule or schedules of fees to be charged for such documents. All funds received as a result of such fees by the Secretary and the Clerk shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 28 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 28-1-1 — 28-13-1) › Chapter 3 - ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL (§§ 28-3-1 — 28-3-25) › Article 2 - SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (§§ 28-3-20 — 28-3-25) › Section 28-3-24.1 - Public distribution of legislative information in electronic format

(a)
It is the policy of the General Assembly that legislative information concerning the activities of the General Assembly may be made readily and widely available in electronic format on a timely basis.
(b)
The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives may provide legislative information in electronic format to the GeorgiaNet Division of the Georgia Technology Authority for purposes of public distribution as provided in Code Section
50-25-14
. The information may be provided on at least a daily basis in the most current format available. The information provided may include at a minimum: available schedules and agenda for committee meetings; available bill and resolution status information; and full text of all available introduced versions of bills and resolutions, including amendments and substitutes. The information provided may include such other matters as will in the determination of the Secretary and the Clerk contribute to the purposes of this Code section. The Georgia Technology Authority shall work with the General Assembly to develop a single public website for the Georgia General Assembly. The content and the format of the General Assembly public website shall be determined by the Legislative Services Committee.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 609,§ 4-2, eff. 5/6/2024.