reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-1-11) › Section 1-1-8 - References to state law or this Code

(a)
Unless otherwise indicated in the context, references in this Code to titles, chapters, articles, parts, subparts, or Code sections shall mean titles, chapters, articles, parts, subparts, or Code sections of this Code.
(b)
Unless there is an expressed intention to the contrary, any reference in this Code or in any law of this state to another provision of this Code or law of this state shall mean and be construed to refer to such other provision or law as it now or hereafter exists.
(c)
Any reference in any local or special law of this state to any Act or resolution of the General Assembly or to any title, chapter, section, or other portion of any prior code of this state shall be construed to be a reference to the appropriate title, chapter, article, part, subpart, Code section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, division, or subdivision of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
(d)
Unless otherwise indicated by the context in which it is used, any citation in any public or private document, writing, or other instrument to a law of the State of Georgia which has been codified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated shall be construed to be a reference to such law as contained in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
(e)
Any reference in any Act of the General Assembly or in any other public or private document, writing, or other instrument to "O.C.G.A." shall mean and refer to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated published under authority of the State of Georgia. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated published under authority of the State of Georgia may be cited or referred to as "O.C.G.A."
(f)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to mean that any matter contained in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated has any force of law or imprimatur of the State of Georgia except as provided for in Code Section
1-1-1
.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 306,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-1 - Classes of persons generally; "natural person" defined; corporations deemed artificial persons; nature of corporations generally

(a)
There are two classes of persons: natural and artificial.
(b)
"Natural person" means any human being including an unborn child.
(c)
Corporations are artificial persons. They are creatures of the law and, except insofar as the law forbids it, they are subject to be changed, modified, or destroyed at the will of their creator.
(d)
Unless otherwise provided by law, any natural person, including an unborn child with a detectable human heartbeat, shall be included in population based determinations.
(e)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Detectable human heartbeat" means embryonic or fetal cardiac activity or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the heart within the gestational sac.
(2)
"Unborn child" means a member of the species Homo sapiens at any stage of development who is carried in the womb.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 234,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-2 - Categories of natural persons

Natural persons are categorized, according to their rights and status, as:
(1)
Citizens;
(2)
Citizens of the United States but not of this state; and
(3)
Aliens.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-3 - Duration of citizenship

Until citizenship is acquired elsewhere, a citizen of this state continues to be a citizen of this state and of the United States.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-4 - Right of expatriation

Except in time of war, every citizen of this state shall have the right of expatriation with a view to becoming a citizen of another country with which this state is at peace. Declaration or avowal of the intention to become a citizen of another country, accompanied by actual removal, shall be held to be a renunciation of all one's rights and duties as a citizen.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-5 - Reacquisition of citizenship by expatriated persons and descendants

If a person expatriated under Code Section
1-2-4
acquires citizenship under some foreign power, he and his descendants who go with him for the purpose of residence may become citizens of this state again only after meeting the residence requirements and taking the oath of allegiance required of other foreigners as a condition to becoming a citizen of the United States by Section 1448 of Title 8 of the United States Code.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-6 - Rights of citizens generally

(a)
The rights of citizens include, without limitation, the following:
(1)
The right of personal security;
(2)
The right of personal liberty;
(3)
The right of private property and the disposition thereof;
(4)
The right of the elective franchise;
(5)
The right to hold office, unless disqualified by the Constitution and laws of this state;
(6)
The right to appeal to the courts;
(7)
The right to testify as a witness;
(8)
The right to perform any civil function; and
(9)
The right to keep and bear arms.
(b)
All citizens are entitled to exercise all their rights as citizens, unless specially prohibited by law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-7 - Rights of female citizens generally

Female citizens are entitled to the privilege of the elective franchise and have the right to hold any civil office or perform any civil function as fully and completely as do male citizens.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-8 - Rights of minors

The law prescribes certain ages at which persons shall be considered of sufficient maturity to discharge certain civil functions, to make contracts, and to dispose of property. Prior to those ages they are minors and are, on account of that disability, unable to exercise these rights as citizens unless such minor becomes emancipated by operation of law or pursuant to Article 10 of Chapter 11 of Title 15.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 127,§ 4-1, eff. 1/1/2014.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 466,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-9 - Rights of citizens of the United States while in this state generally

Such citizens of the other states of the Union as are recognized as citizens of the United States by the Constitution thereof shall be entitled, while temporarily within this state, to all the rights of citizens thereof, except the elective franchise, the right to hold office, and the right to perform such civil functions as are confined by law to citizens of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-10 - Rights of citizens of other states or nations to sue or give evidence

The citizens of other states of the United States or of foreign states at peace with this state shall, by comity, be allowed the privilege of suing in the courts of this state and of giving evidence therein, as long as the same comity is extended in the courts of the other states to the citizens of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 2 - PERSONS AND THEIR RIGHTS (§§ 1-2-1 — 1-2-11) › Section 1-2-11 - Rights of aliens generally; purchase, holding, and conveyance of realty

(a)
Aliens are the subjects of foreign governments who have not been naturalized under the laws of the United States.
(b)
Aliens who are subjects of governments at peace with the United States and this state, as long as their governments remain at peace with the United States and this state, shall be entitled to all the rights of citizens of other states who are temporarily in this state and shall have the privilege of purchasing, holding, and conveying real estate in this state except as provided by Code Section 2-1-7.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 496,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-2 - Construction of definitions

As used in this Code or in any other law of this state, defined words shall have the meanings specified, unless the context in which the word or term is used clearly requires that a different meaning be used.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-4 - Effective date of legislative Acts

(a)
Unless a different effective date is specified in an Act:
(1)
Any Act which is approved by the Governor or which becomes law without his approval on or after the first day of January and prior to the first day of July of a calendar year shall become effective on the first day of July; and
(2)
Any Act which is approved by the Governor or which becomes law without his approval on or after the first day of July and prior to the first day of January of the immediately succeeding calendar year shall become effective on the first day of January.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply to local legislation or to resolutions intended to have the effect of law. Such local legislation and resolutions intended to have the effect of law become effective immediately upon approval by the Governor or upon their becoming law without his approval, unless a different effective date is specified in the Act or resolution.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 868,§ 2, eff. 5/14/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-4.1 - Effective date for general Acts requiring increases in compensation of certain county officials

Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section
1-3-4
, no general Act which provides for an increase in compensation to one or more of the county officials listed in Article IX, Section I, Paragraph III of the Constitution or Chapter 10 of Title 15 shall be effective until the first day of January following passage of the Act.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 9,§ 1, eff. 5/14/2003.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 868,§ 2, eff. 5/14/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-5 - Operation of laws generally; retrospective operation

Laws prescribe only for the future; they cannot impair the obligation of contracts nor, ordinarily, have a retrospective operation. Laws looking only to the remedy or mode of trial may apply to contracts, rights, and offenses entered into, accrued, or committed prior to their passage; but in every case a reasonable time subsequent to the passage of the law should be allowed for the citizen to enforce his contract or to protect his right.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-6 - When laws become obligatory; effect of ignorance

After they take effect, the laws of this state are obligatory upon all the inhabitants thereof. Ignorance of the law excuses no one.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-7 - Abrogation of laws by agreement; waiver or renunciation of benefits established by law

Laws made for the preservation of public order or good morals may not be dispensed with or abrogated by any agreement. However, a person may waive or renounce what the law has established in his favor when he does not thereby injure others or affect the public interest.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-8 - Binding effect of legislation upon state

The state is not bound by the passage of a law unless it is named therein or unless the words of the law are so plain, clear, and unmistakable as to leave no doubt as to the intention of the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-9 - Effect and enforcement of foreign laws

The laws of other states and foreign nations shall have no force and effect of themselves within this state further than is provided by the Constitution of the United States and is recognized by the comity of states. The courts shall enforce this comity, unless restrained by the General Assembly, so long as its enforcement is not contrary to the policy or prejudicial to the interests of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-10 - Execution of writings and contracts

Except for wills of personalty of persons domiciled in another state or country, when writings or contracts are intended to have effect in this state they must be executed in conformity to the laws of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 3 - LAWS AND STATUTES (§§ 1-3-1 — 1-3-11) › Section 1-3-11 - Local referenda on abolishing offices or shortening or lengthening term

No office to which a person has been elected shall be abolished nor the term of the office shortened or lengthened by local or special Act during the term for which such person was elected unless the same shall be approved by the people of the jurisdiction affected in a referendum on the question.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-1 - Public and legal holidays; leave for observance of religious holidays not specifically provided for

(a)
The State of Georgia shall recognize and observe as public and legal holidays:
(1)
All days which have been designated as of January 1, 2022, as public and legal holidays by the federal government; and
(2)
All other days designated and proclaimed by the Governor as public and legal holidays or as days of fasting and prayer or other religious observance. In such designation, the Governor shall include at least one of the following dates: January 19, April 26, or June 3, or a suitable date in lieu thereof to commemorate the event or events now observed by such dates.
(b)
The Governor shall close all state offices and facilities a minimum of 13 days throughout the year and not more than 13 days in observance of the public and legal holidays and other days set forth in subsection (a) of this Code section and shall specify the days state offices and facilities shall be closed for such observances.
(c)
Employees of any state department or agency shall, upon request to their appointing authority or his or her designee at least seven days in advance, be given priority consideration for time away from work for observance of religious holy days not otherwise provided for in this Code section. Any paid leave time for such religious holy day observance shall be charged to accrued compensatory leave or accrued annual leave credits available to the employee at the time of the holy day observance. No employee may claim priority consideration for more than three work days each calendar year. A request by an employee for time away from work to observe a religious holy day shall not be denied unless the employee has inadequate accrued compensatory or annual leave credits to cover such period of absence or the duties performed by the employee are urgently required and the employee is the only person available who can perform the duties as determined by the appointing authority or his or her designee. The State Personnel Board shall provide by rule and regulation a procedure to be followed by agencies and departments in the granting of such holy days.
Amended by 2022 Ga. Laws 588,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2022.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 625,§ 1, eff. 5/3/2016.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 630,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 155,§ 1, eff. 5/5/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-2 - Religious holidays

The only days to be declared, treated, and considered as religious holidays shall be the first day of each week, called Sunday.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-3 - Designation of "American History Month"

(a)
The State of Georgia recognizes the importance to the citizens of this state of the principles upon which the United States of America was founded and of an understanding of the history of our nation. To encourage the study of American history by the citizens of this state, the month of February of each year is designated as "American History Month" in Georgia. The citizens of this state are encouraged to observe "American History Month" with appropriate observances and programs.
(b)
The month of February of each year is also designated as Georgia History Month in special tribute to the founders, builders, and preservers of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-4 - Declaration of "Wildflower Week"

The fourth week in the month of March of each year is declared to be "Wildflower Week" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-5 - Declaration of "Bird Day"

The second Thursday in October of each year is declared to be "Bird Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-6 - Declaration of "Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day"

The second Monday in February of each year is declared to be "Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-7 - Declaration of "Peace Officer Memorial Day"; declaration of "Police Week"

May 15 of each year is declared to be "Peace Officer Memorial Day" and the calendar week in which it falls is declared as "Police Week."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-8 - Declaration of "Children's Day"

The first Sunday in October of each year, beginning in 1990, is declared to be "Children's Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-9 - Designation of "Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day"

The day of April 9 of each year is designated as "Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-10 - Designation of "Girls and Women in Sports Day"

The first Thursday in February of each year is designated as "Girls and Women in Sports Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-11 - Designation of "Clean Water Week"

The third week in October of each year is designated and shall be observed as "Clean Water Week" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-12 - Designation of "Firefighter Appreciation Day"

The first Tuesday in February of each year is designated as "Firefighter Appreciation Day" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-13 - Designation of "Bill of Rights Day"

(a)
The State of Georgia recognizes the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States as vitally important in articulating and ensuring fundamental human rights. These first ten amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791.
(b)
To affirm the fundamental freedoms embodied in the Bill of Rights, celebrate the anniversary of ratification, and commemorate the sacrifices made to preserve these essential rights, December 15 of each year is designated "Bill of Rights Day" in Georgia. The citizens of this state are encouraged to observe the day by reflecting upon the meaning and importance of the Bill of Rights.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-14 - Declaration of "Home Education Week"

The first week in February of each year is declared to be "Home Education Week" in Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-15 - Designation of "Bill Elliott Day."

(a)
The General Assembly finds that a Georgia family's proud tradition of racing began in Dawsonville, Georgia, under the tutelage and guiding hand of George Elliott. George's young son Bill began to demonstrate at an early age a natural skill and competitive racing instinct at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, and in 1976, at the tender age of 20, Bill Elliott entered his first Winston Cup race and launched a career that would span decades. Awesome Bill from Dawsonville, a modest, unassuming, and unpretentious man, has become a household name in NASCAR racing and has been selected Most Popular Driver an unprecedented 16 times, Georgia Professional Athlete of the Year twice, National Motorsports Driver of the Year 14 times, and in 1998, was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. It is virtually impossible to list all of the honors and awards Million Dollar Bill has garnered over his incandescent career, but perhaps his most acclaimed accomplishment is his support, love, and respect from racing fans. He has given unstintingly of his time, talents, energy, and financial resources to numerous charities including the Special Olympics, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraordinary Georgian be recognized in a special and lasting manner.
(b)
The members of the General Assembly commend Bill Elliott for his over 30 years of outstanding contributions to the sport of racing and designate October 8 of each year as "Bill Elliott Day" in Georgia.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 453,§ 1, eff. 4/14/2006.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 363,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-15.1 - Designation of "Ronald Reagan Day."

(a)
The General Assembly recognizes that:
(1)
President Ronald Wilson Reagan, a man of humble background, worked throughout his life serving freedom and advancing the public good, having been employed as an entertainer, Union leader, corporate spokesman, Governor of California, and President of the United States;
(2)
Ronald Reagan served with honor and distinction for two terms as the fortieth President of the United States of America, and in his reelection he earned the confidence of three-fifths of the electorate and was victorious in 49 of the 50 states in the general election, a record unsurpassed in the history of American presidential elections;
(3)
During Mr. Reagan's presidency he worked in a bipartisan manner to enact his bold agenda of restoring accountability and common sense to government which led to an unprecedented economic expansion and opportunity for millions of Americans;
(4)
Mr. Reagan's commitment to an active social policy agenda for the nation's children helped lower crime rates and drug use in our neighborhoods;
(5)
President Reagan's commitment to our armed forces contributed to the restoration of pride in America, her values and those cherished by the free world, and prepared America's armed forces to meet twenty-first century challenges;
(6)
President Reagan's vision of "peace through strength" led to the end of the Cold War and the ultimate demise of the Soviet Union, guaranteeing basic human rights for millions of people; and
(7)
February 6, 2005, will be the ninety-fourth anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birth, and the first since his passing.
(b)
February 6 of each year is designated "Ronald Reagan Day" in Georgia.
Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 18,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2007.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 465,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-16 - Designation of "Prison Chaplains Appreciation Day."

The fourth Monday in March of each year is designated and shall be observed as "Prison Chaplains Appreciation Day" in all state and private correctional institutions in Georgia.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 601,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-17 - Declaration of "Georgia Day."

The twelfth day of February in each year is declared to be "Georgia Day," as the anniversary of the landing of the first colonists in Georgia under Oglethorpe.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 379,§ 1, eff. 2/12/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-18 - Designation of "School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day."

The third Monday in October of every year is designated "School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day" in Georgia.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 559,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-19 - Designation of "School Bus Safety Week."

The third week in October of every year is designated "School Bus Safety Week" in Georgia.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 561,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 559,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.
Added by 2008 Ga. Laws 379,§ 1, eff. 2/12/2008.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 741,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-20 - Designation of Confederate History and Heritage Month

(a)
The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that tourism is a great economic resource in Georgia; and historical, heritage, and cultural inheritance are among the tourism industry's most popular attractions. Georgia's Confederate heritage, physical artifacts and battle sites, and historic events and persons not only attract visitors, they are potentially of even greater importance and benefit to our state's economy. Increased development of our state's Confederate history and heritage as part of the tourism industry will be enhanced through recognizing, celebrating, and advertising that heritage and history.
(b)
The month of April of each year is hereby designated as Confederate History and Heritage Month and shall be set aside to honor, observe, and celebrate the Confederate States of America, its history, those who served in its armed forces and government, and all those millions of its citizens of various races and ethnic groups and religions who contributed in sundry and myriad ways to the cause which they held so dear from its founding on February 4, 1861, in Montgomery, Alabama, until the Confederate ship CSS
Shenandoah
sailed into Liverpool Harbor and surrendered to British authorities on November 6, 1865.
(c)
Officials and departments of state, county, and municipal governments, boards of education, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, businesses, and all citizens are encouraged to participate in programs, displays, and activities that commemorate and honor our shared history and cultural inheritance throughout each April during Confederate History and Heritage Month.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 59,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-21 - Designation of "Purple Heart Day."

(a)
August 7 of every year is designated as "Purple Heart Day."
(b)
The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating August 7 as "Purple Heart Day." Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all residents of this state are encouraged to commemorate Purple Heart Day and honor those wounded or killed while serving in any branch of the United States Armed Services.
Added by 2014 Ga. Laws 630,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-22 - Designation of "Water Professionals Appreciation Day."

The first Monday in May of each year is designated as "Water Professionals Appreciation Day" in Georgia.
Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 27,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-23 - Designation of "Childhood Cancer Awareness Day."

September 1 of each year is designated as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Day" in Georgia.
Added by 2020 Ga. Laws 581,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-24 - Designation of "National Swearing-in Commitment Day."

The second Wednesday of February of each year is designated as "National Swearing-in Commitment Day" in Georgia.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 142,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-25 - Designation of "Public Safety Week."

The week in September during which September 11 falls every year is designated "Public Safety Week" in Georgia.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 588,§ 2, eff. 4/4/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 4 - HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES (§§ 1-4-1 — 1-4-26) › Section 1-4-26 - First Responders Appreciation Day

(a)
September 11 of each year is designated as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Georgia.
(b)
Officials and departments of the state, educational institutions, members of the media, and all citizens of Georgia are encouraged to participate in programs, displays, and activities that show appreciation to Georgia's first responders and the sacrifice they make in the service of their communities.
Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 36,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Redesignated from 1-4-25.1.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 1-1-1 — 1-5-1) › Chapter 5 - CHANGE OF NAME OF RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITIES, PORT AUTHORITIES, AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS (§ 1-5-1) › Section 1-5-1 - Power of board of directors to change name and style under which an authority operates

The board of directors of any public authority created by a constitutional amendment, which amendment was continued in force as a part of the 1983 Constitution pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (d) of Article XI, Section I, Paragraph IV, shall be empowered to change the name and style under which the authority operates by adopting an appropriate resolution by a majority vote at any regular or special meeting of the authority. If the board of directors changes the name and style under which an authority operates in accordance with the provisions of this Code section, such action shall in no way alter or restrict the character or nature of the authority and the authority shall be recognized and declared to be one and the same continuing body corporate and politic with all the powers heretofore or hereafter granted to said authority; and any acts done under the new name and style so adopted shall be for all intents and purposes equally as valid and effective as if done under the original name and style of the authority.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-1 - Definitions

As used in this title, the term:
(1)
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture.
(2)
"Department" means the Department of Agriculture of this state.
(3)
"Sustainable agriculture" or "sustainable agricultural practices" means science-based agricultural practices, technologies, or biological systems supported by research or otherwise demonstrated to lead to broad outcomes-based improvements, which may include but not be limited to such critical outcomes as increasing agricultural productivity and improving human health through access to safe, nutritious, affordable food and other agricultural products, while enhancing agricultural and surrounding environmental conditions through the stewardship of water, soil, air quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat, so as to meet the needs of the present and improve the ability for future generations to meet their own needs while advancing progress toward environmental, social, and economic goals and the well-being of agricultural producers and rural communities.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 60,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-1.1 - Policy of state to promote sustainable agriculture

It shall be the policy of this state to promote sustainable agriculture.
Added by 2011 Ga. Laws 60,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-2 - Verification of certain licenses by inspectors

The inspectors of the department, in the regular course of their duties, shall verify that each facility they inspect has proper state licenses for the sale of cigarettes, malt beverages, and wine. Should any facility not have such state licenses as required by law, the state revenue commissioner shall be notified of such fact immediately, so that he can take such action as is required by law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-3 - Sales of farm products, plants, and seed on Sunday

It shall be lawful to sell or offer for sale perishable farm products, growing plants, and perishable seed on Sunday.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-5 - Annual license fee for grain dealers, commercial feed dealers, grain warehousemen, and qualified agricultural producers; retention of funds

(a)
An individual conducting business as a grain dealer, commercial feed dealer, and grain warehouseman shall pay an annual license fee in an amount not less than $1,500.00 nor more than $3,000.00. Any fees collected pursuant to this Code section shall be retained pursuant to the provisions of Code Section
45-12-92.1
.
(b)
A qualified agricultural producer, as defined in Code Section
48-8-3.3
, shall pay an annual license fee in an amount not less than $15.00 nor more than $25.00, but in no event shall the total amount of the proceeds from such fees exceed the cost of administering Code Section
48-8-3.3
.
Amended by 2014 Ga. Laws 533,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2015.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 607,§; V-5-7, eff. 1/1/2013.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§; 1-1, eff. 5/12/2010.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 332, §; 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-7) › Section 2-1-6 - Preemption of local ordinances relating to production of agricultural or farm products

(a)
No county, municipality, consolidated government, or other political subdivision of this state shall adopt or enforce any ordinance, rule, regulation, or resolution regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices involved in the production of agricultural or farm products on any private property.
(b)
Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not prohibit or impair the power of any local government to adopt or enforce any zoning ordinance or make any other zoning decision. As used in this subsection, the terms "local government", "zoning decision", and "zoning ordinance" have the same meanings provided by Code Section
36-66-3
.
(c)
Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not prohibit or impair any existing power of a county, municipality, consolidated government, or other political subdivision of this state to adopt or enforce any ordinance, rule, regulation, or resolution regulating land application of human waste.
Added by 2009 Ga. Laws 99,§ 1, eff. 5/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-2 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Qualifications; election; location of office

The department shall be under the control and management of the Commissioner of Agriculture, who shall be a practical farmer, elected by qualified voters at the same time, in the same manner, and under the same rules and regulations as the Governor and statehouse officers are elected. The office of the Commissioner shall be at the capital of the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-3 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Term of office; removal

The term of office of the Commissioner shall be for four years or until his successor is elected and qualified, unless he is removed in the manner prescribed by law for the removal of officers of the state government.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-4 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Salary and expenses; compensation of employees

(a)
The annual salary of the Commissioner shall be as provided in Code Sections
45-7-3
and
45-7-4
. The Commissioner shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses as provided by Code Section
45-7-20
.
(b)
The Commissioner is authorized to employ personnel for the department, to prescribe their duties, and to fix the compensation of such personnel; provided, however, that such compensation shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 630,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 155,§ 2, eff. 5/5/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-5 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Bond

The Commissioner shall give a bond of $50,000.00 as a guaranty of the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the proper accounting for all moneys, fees, etc., received by his office. The bond shall be furnished by a surety company authorized to do business in Georgia by the laws of this state. The premium on the bond shall be paid by the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-6 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Acceptance of cash, government bonds, treasury notes, or equivalency in lieu of bond

In all cases where a licensee or an applicant for a license is required to post a bond with the Commissioner, the Commissioner is authorized to accept cash, government bonds, treasury notes, or their equivalent in lieu of the bond where the licensee or applicant cannot obtain the prescribed bond. All such funds shall be held in trust by the Commissioner and shall be subject to the payment by the Commissioner of all claims to which the bond would be subject.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-7 - Commissioner of Agriculture - Powers and duties

The Commissioner of Agriculture shall serve as the chief administrative officer of the Department of Agriculture. The Commissioner shall be responsible for the enforcement of all duties imposed upon him by law. In addition to any other powers which may be conferred upon him, the Commissioner may:
(1)
Examine and investigate any matter relating to or affecting the welfare of farmers and consumers of the state;
(2)
Gather, formulate, and disseminate, in such form and in such manner as he shall deem advisable, information which may benefit the farmers and consumers of this state;
(3)
Participate in any show, fair, or exhibit in order to advance the agricultural industry in this state and make the public aware of the services offered by the Department of Agriculture;
(4)
Promulgate rules and regulations concerning the operations of the department and such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out and enforce the duties and responsibilities imposed upon him by law;
(5)
Secure the cooperation and assistance of the other departments and agencies of this state, or the other states, any department or agency of the United States, or any other organization that may be of assistance; and
(6)
Participate as a member of, or in an advisory capacity to, any organization or association which is of benefit to the agricultural community or consumers of the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-8 - Educational exhibits promoting state resources at agricultural fairs authorized

(a)
The Commissioner is authorized to advertise and promote the agricultural resources of this state through the use of educational exhibits at agricultural fairs. When he so desires, the Commissioner is authorized to establish such exhibits in cooperation with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia, the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Georgia, and other departments of this state.
(b)
For an event to qualify as an agricultural fair, the organization sponsoring such fair must:
(1)
Be able to show that at least 10 percent of the total receipts thereof are paid out in the form of premiums, scholarships, or agricultural programs; and
(2)
Be a nonprofit organization, spending the profits of the fair on the enterprise or paying them out in the form of premiums, scholarships, or educational programs.
(c)
Transportation costs, space rental, and utility costs at any agricultural fair shall be borne by the organization sponsoring such fair.
(d)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit governmental agencies from participating in or exhibiting the resources of this state at any agricultural fair.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-8.1 - Contributions for Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin and Poultry Market News

The Commissioner is authorized to publicize and request, by means of publication of appropriate notices in the
Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin
and the
Poultry Market News
, contributions to be used exclusively for the compilation, publication, printing, and distribution of the
Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin
and the
Poultry Market News
.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 360,§ 1-2, eff. 5/12/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-9 - Rules and regulations

The Commissioner is empowered to make all necessary rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the purposes of this title.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-10 - Imposition of penalty authorized in lieu of other action; funding to general treasury

(a)
In any proceeding before the Commissioner involving a license, certificate, or registration issued by the Commissioner or a violation of the laws administered and enforced by the Commissioner and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, after notice, hearing, and a determination by him or her as provided by law that there are sufficient grounds to revoke, suspend, or cancel the license, certificate, or registration involved or to take any other action authorized by law in regard to the violation in question, the Commissioner may impose a reasonable penalty for each offense in lieu of a revocation, suspension, cancellation, or other authorized action. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, such a penalty shall be imposed only with the consent of the affected party; and except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the amount of any such penalty shall not exceed $1,000.00.
(b)
In any case subject to this Code section which involves a violation or attempted violation of Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 26, the "Georgia Food Act," the maximum penalty shall not exceed the greater of $1,000.00 or the amount of gain realized or sought to be realized through such violation, but in no event shall such penalty exceed $20,000.00; and in any case involving a violation or attempted violation of the "Georgia Food Act," the written consent of the person against whom the penalty is to be imposed shall not be required.
(c)
Any civil penalties recovered shall be paid over into the general fund of the state treasury in accordance with Code Section
45-12-92
.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 521,§ 2, eff. 7/29/2020.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 100,§ 2, eff. 5/1/2009.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 374, § 1, eff. 6/4/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 2 - AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-1-1 — 2-23-12) › Chapter 2 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (§§ 2-2-1 — 2-2-13) › Section 2-2-12 - Assistance to United States Department of Agriculture in inspection, certification, and identification of agricultural products and collection of fees

(a)
It is the intent of this Code section to authorize the department to assist the United States Department of Agriculture, pursuant to the federal Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946,
7 U.S.C. Sections 1621
-
1627
, in the inspection and certification of products in commerce to the end that agricultural products may be marketed to the best advantage, that trading may be facilitated, and that consumers may be able to obtain the quality product which they desire.
(b)
The department is authorized to assist the United States Department of Agriculture in the inspection, certification, and identification of the class, quality, quantity, and condition of agricultural products when shipped or received in commerce, under such rules as the secretary of agriculture may prescribe, including collection of such fees as will be reasonable and as will cover the cost of the service rendered. Such fees shall not be considered taxes, fees, or assessments for state purposes but shall be collected under authority of the federal Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 for purposes of assisting the United States Department of Agriculture in carrying out its mission under said act.
(c)
The department may enter into cooperative agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture and with any firm, corporation, association, or organization having the capacity to contract for the purpose of assisting the United States Department of Agriculture in the inspection, certification, and identification of the class, quality, quantity, and condition of agricultural products when shipped or received in commerce and in the collection of such fees as will be reasonable and as will cover the cost of the service rendered.