reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 7 - FAMILY-PLANNING SERVICES (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-9) › Section 49-7-9 - Construction of chapter

This chapter shall be liberally construed to protect the rights of all individuals to pursue their religious beliefs and to follow the dictates of their own consciences, to prevent the imposition upon any individual of practices offensive to the individual's moral standards, to respect the right of every individual to self-determination in the procreation of children, and to ensure a complete freedom of choice in pursuance of his constitutional rights.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Economic Rehabilitation Act of 1975."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-2 - Purpose of chapter

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the administration, allocation, and distribution of funds from the Community Services Block Grant and other funding sources; to provide for the definition of a community action agency; to continue a flexible and decentralized system of state, regional, and local programs; to provide the support for services and activities designed to promote individual and family self-sufficiency and to provide emergency services; to encourage local and state-wide interagency collaboration and coordination; to assist local communities in the establishment of demonstration programs to meet the unmet needs of their citizens; and to provide the fiscal support needed to assure the continuation of community action agencies as grantees for federal, state, and other moneys.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-3 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Board of directors" means the policy-making board of a community action agency.
(2)
"Community action agency" means a public or private nonprofit corporation which was a recipient of community services block grant funds on January 1, 1989, or its successors.
(3)
"Director" means the person designated by the commissioner of human services to effect the coordination and fiscal accountability of the community services authorized by this chapter.
(4)
"Outreach" means staff capability to locate eligible clients, determine and evaluate needs, furnish information, gather data, make referrals, secure transportation, and assist clients in locating existing resources or assist in developing needed resources where none exist.
(5)
"Poverty guideline" means the sliding scale of family incomes revised periodically and published as a poverty index in the Federal Register.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 2-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-4 - Administration of chapter

(a)
For purposes of administration, responsibility for the coordination of community services and fiscal accountability shall be determined by the commissioner of human services.
(b)
The director is authorized to issue special instructions or rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 2-26, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-5 - Distribution of funds; local boards of directors; audits; bonding of agency employees

(a)
Moneys appropriated for the purposes of this chapter shall be allocated by contract with community action agencies. Such allocations shall be approved by the director only upon the submission of a proposal prepared by the agency and approved by the board of directors of the community action agency involved.
(b)
Moneys appropriated for the purposes of this chapter and distributed by means of contracts with community action agencies shall continue to include the Community Services Block Grant. Not less than 90 percent of the community services block grant funds allocated for the State of Georgia shall be distributed to community action agencies by means of contracts with the community action agencies.
(c)
The community services block grant funds shall continue to be distributed to each community action agency utilizing a formula based upon a pro rata share of Georgia's poverty population contained in each agency's service area.
(d)
No funds may be allocated to any community action agency which does not have a policy guaranteeing nondiscrimination in the delivery of services.
(e)
No funds may be allocated to any community action agency which does not have a policy-making board of directors. The membership of such board must be made up of no fewer than one-third democratically selected representatives of the client group and no more than one-third public officials or their designees. The remainder of the board shall be composed of members appointed from the public sector.
(f)
The director shall be responsible for ensuring that at least an annual fiscal and programmatic audit be conducted of each community action agency to ensure that contract awarded funds are properly and legally utilized and disbursed in accordance with the intentions of this chapter. All employees of each community action agency who handle funds of the agency shall be bonded by a licensed bonding company.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 8 - ECONOMIC REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-8-1 — 49-8-6) › Section 49-8-6 - Authorized and unauthorized activities of local agencies

(a)
Each community action agency shall use funds available to it under this chapter and other sources for the planning, operation, outreach, and evaluation of a variety of community service pilot programs designed to assist the economically disadvantaged and other persons to achieve self-sufficiency. Community action agencies shall maintain a coordinating role in the community.
(b)
No community action agency, its board members, its executive officer, or its employees shall be authorized to use funds, facilities, or equipment owned by or available to the agency, including, but not limited to, stationery, postage, duplicating machines, and telephones, in behalf of any candidate for elective office or any political party or in support of any position on a question of public policy which is the subject of a referendum in the area in which such agency is located. No community action agency shall engage in the manufacture, distribution, display, advertising, or mailing of any printed materials in behalf of any candidate for elective office or any political party or in support of any position on a question of public policy which is the subject of a referendum in the area in which such agency is located.
(c)
Work plans submitted to the director must be approved in advance by the board of directors described in paragraph (1) of Code Section
49-8-3
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-2 - Creation of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board; membership; duties

(a)
There is created the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board. The board shall consist of nine members who work or have worked in the area of vocational rehabilitation or who are a part of the vocational rehabilitation community; provided, however, that five members shall be persons with disabilities or family members of persons with disabilities.
(b)
The members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor. The first such members shall be appointed by the Governor to take office on July 1, 2012, for initial terms as follows: Three such members shall be appointed for terms of one year; three such members shall be appointed for terms of two years; and three such members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Thereafter, the Governor shall appoint successors upon the expiration of the respective terms of office for terms of three years. All such members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Such members shall be eligible for reappointment to successive terms of office as members of the board.
(c)
Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment by the Governor in the same manner as the appointment to the position on the board which becomes vacant. An appointment to fill a vacancy other than by expiration of a term of office shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.
(d)
Members of the board may be removed from office under the same conditions for removal from office of members of professional licensing boards provided in Code Section
43-1-17
.
(e)
There shall be a chairperson of the board elected by and from the membership of the board who shall be the presiding officer of the board. The term of the chairperson shall be established by rules of the board.
(f)
A quorum for transacting business shall be determined by the members of the board.
(g)
The members of the board shall receive a per diem allowance and expenses as shall be set and approved by the Office of Planning and Budget in conformance with rates and allowances set for members of other state boards.
(h)
In addition to the powers and duties set forth in this chapter, the board shall recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly changes in state programs, statutes, policies, budgets, and standards relating to vocational rehabilitation services, the improvement of coordination among state and local agencies that provide vocational rehabilitation services, and the improvement of the condition of citizens who are in need of vocational rehabilitation services.
Added by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-3 - Duties of executive director of Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

(a)
There shall be an executive director of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency nominated by the Governor and approved by the board. The director shall serve during the term of the Governor by whom he or she is appointed and at the pleasure of the board. If the Governor's term expires and the incoming Governor has not made a nomination or such nomination has not been approved by the board, the current director shall serve until a replacement is nominated by the incoming Governor and approved by the board.
(b)
In carrying out his or her duties under this chapter, the director of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency:
(1)
Shall, with the approval of the board, prepare such regulations for promulgation by the board as he or she finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(2)
Shall, with the approval of the board, prepare such policies and procedures as he or she finds necessary for the purposes of this chapter and establish appropriate subordinate administrative units within the agency;
(3)
Shall recommend to the board for appointment such personnel as he or she deems necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the agency;
(4)
Shall prepare and submit to the board annual reports of activities and expenditures and, prior to each regular session of the General Assembly, estimates of sums required for carrying out this chapter and estimates of the amounts to be made available for this purpose from all sources;
(5)
Shall make certification for disbursement, in accordance with regulations, of funds available for carrying out the purposes of this chapter;
(6)
May, with the approval of the board, delegate to any officer or employee of the agency such of his or her powers and duties, except the making of regulations and the appointment of personnel, as he or she finds necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and
(7)
Is designated as the administrator of a program provided under Section 221 of the federal Social Security Act, relating to disability adjudication services. The director shall receive, notwithstanding any other provision of law and in addition to his or her regular compensation, such compensation and allowance as may be augmented from grants by the appropriate federal agency in such amount as is determined by the federal agency to be commensurate with the duties imposed by Section 221 of the federal Social Security Act.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-3 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-5 - Provision of services to persons with disabilities

The agency shall provide the services authorized by this chapter to persons with disabilities determined to be eligible therefor; and, in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the agency is authorized, among other things:
(1)
To cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions, both public and private, in providing the services authorized by this chapter to persons with disabilities; in studying the problems involved therein; and in establishing, developing, and providing, in conformity with the purposes of this chapter, such programs, facilities, and services as may be necessary or desirable;
(2)
To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this chapter to residents of the state concerned;
(3)
To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services or the need of services by persons with disabilities;
(4)
To license blind persons or other persons with disabilities to operate vending facilities under its supervision and control, subject to the terms and conditions provided in regulations, policies, and procedures issued pursuant to Code Section
49-9-3
, on:
(A)
State property;
(B)
County or municipal property;
(C)
Federal property, pursuant to delegation of authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act,
20 U.S.C. Section 107(b)
, and any amendment thereto or any act of Congress relating to this subject; and
(D)
Private property; and
(5)
To provide for the establishment, supervision, and control of suitable business enterprises to be operated by persons with disabilities.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 33,§ 49, eff. 2/24/2013.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-4 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-6 - Authorization to utilize funds

The agency is authorized to utilize funds made available from appropriations by Congress, by gifts or grants from private sources, by appropriations of the General Assembly, or by transfer of funds from other state departments for the purpose of establishing and operating rehabilitation centers and workshops.
Renumbered from Code section 34-15-5 amd amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-7 - Cooperation to carry out the purposes of federal statutes

The agency is empowered and directed to cooperate, pursuant to agreements with the federal government, in carrying out the purposes of any federal statutes pertaining to the purposes of this chapter. The agency is authorized to adopt such methods of administration as are found by the federal government to be necessary for the proper and efficient operation of such agreements and to comply with such conditions as may be necessary to secure the full benefits of such federal statutes and appropriations, to administer any legislation pursuant thereto enacted by this state, to direct the disbursement and administer the use of all funds provided by the federal government or this state for the purposes of this chapter, and to do all things necessary to ensure the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-6 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-8 - Office of State Treasurer designated custodian of federal moneys

The Office of the State Treasurer is designated as custodian of all moneys received from the federal government for the purpose of carrying out any federal statutes pertaining to the purpose of this chapter. The Office of the State Treasurer shall make disbursements from such funds and all state funds available for such purposes, upon certification in the manner provided in Code Section
49-9-3
.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-7 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-9 - Budget estimates

Budget estimates of the amount of appropriations needed each fiscal year for vocational rehabilitation services and for the administration of the programs under this chapter shall be submitted by the director to the board and, upon approval by the board, shall be included in the estimates made by the board to the Office of Planning and Budget. In the event federal funds are available to the state for vocational rehabilitation purposes, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency is authorized to comply with such requirements as may be necessary to obtain said federal funds in the maximum amount and most advantageous proportion possible insofar as this may be done without violating other provisions of the state law and Constitution. In the event Congress fails in any year to appropriate funds for grants-in-aid to the state for vocational rehabilitation purposes, the board shall include as a part of its budget a request for adequate state funds for vocational rehabilitation purposes.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-8 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-10 - Acceptance and use of gifts

The director is authorized and empowered, with the approval of the board, to accept and use gifts made unconditionally, by will or otherwise, for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Gifts made under such conditions as are proper and consistent with this chapter may be so accepted and shall be held, invested, reinvested, and used in accordance with the conditions of the gift.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-9 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-11 - Residency requirement; financial need

(a)
Vocational rehabilitation services shall be provided to any qualified individual who is a bona fide resident of the state.
(b)
The financial need of eligible persons with disabilities will be considered in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to the extent allowed by federal or other state law.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-10 by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-12 - Independent living program

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency is the designated state unit for the independent living program. The independent living program is authorized to provide or contract for the provision of such services as may be needed to enable persons with disabilities to attain the maximum degree of independent living. The powers delegated and authorized in this Code section for the agency shall be in addition to those previously authorized by any other law. The agency is authorized to cooperate with any federal agency in the administration of such a program.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-11 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-13 - Entitlement to hearing if aggrieved

Any individual applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation services who is aggrieved by any action or inaction of the agency shall be entitled, in accordance with regulations, to a hearing in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-12 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-14 - Rights not transferable; exempt from creditors

Any rights of persons with disabilities to maintenance under this chapter shall not be transferable or assignable at law or in equity and shall be exempt from the claims of creditors.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-13 by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-15 - Coverage by a hospitalization or medical insurance policy

Where a person with disabilities who receives vocational rehabilitation services is covered by a hospitalization or medical insurance policy, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall be subrogated to the rights of such person with disabilities to recover in an amount not to exceed the cost of vocational rehabilitation services rendered by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, exclusive of those services for which eligibility is not predicated on the need for financial assistance. Where the person with disabilities receives vocational rehabilitation services without disclosing that he or she is covered by a hospitalization or medical insurance policy, he or she shall be liable therefor to the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency in an amount not to exceed the cost of rehabilitation services rendered, exclusive of those services for which eligibility is not predicated on the need for financial assistance, or in an amount not to exceed the insurance reimbursement received, whichever is the lesser.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-14 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-16 - Lien upon causes of actions; procedure for perfecting lien; notice; fee; releases and covenants not to sue

Where a person with disabilities who receives vocational rehabilitation services is entitled to recover damages for said injuries, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall have a lien, in an amount not to exceed the cost of rehabilitation services rendered, upon any and all causes of action accruing to the individual to whom such services were furnished, or to the legal representative of such individual, on account of injuries giving rise to such cause of action and which necessitated such rehabilitation services, subject, however, to any attorney's lien. In order to perfect such lien, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall file in the office of the clerk of the superior court of the county wherein the individual resides a verified statement setting forth the name and address of such individual; the name and address of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency; the amount claimed to be due for such vocational rehabilitation services; and, to the best of claimant's knowledge, the names and addresses of all persons, firms, or corporations claimed by such injured individual, or the legal representative of such individual, to be liable for damages arising from such injuries. The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall also, within one day after the filing of such claim or lien, mail a copy thereof to any person, firm, or corporation so claimed to be liable for such damages to the addresses as given in such statement. The filing of such claim or lien shall be notice thereof to all persons, firms, or corporations liable for such damages, whether or not they are named in such claim or lien. The clerk of the court shall endorse thereon the date and hour of filing in the hospital lien book, along with the name of the claimant, the injured person, the amount claimed, and the names and addresses of those claimed to be liable for damages. Such information shall be recorded in the name of the injured individual. The clerk shall be paid $1.00 as his or her fee for such filing. No release for such cause or causes of action or any judgment thereon, or any covenant not to sue thereon, shall be valid or effectual as against such lien unless the holder thereof shall join therein or execute a release of such lien; and the claimant of such lien may enforce the lien by an action against the person, firm, or corporation liable for such damages.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-15 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-17 - Authorization to retain title; authorization to sell; surplus; receipts; deposit of funds received

The agency is authorized to retain title to any property, tools, instruments, training supplies, equipment, or other items of value acquired for use of persons with disabilities and to repossess and transfer them for the use of other persons with disabilities. The board is authorized to offer for sale any items acquired in the operation of the program under this chapter when they are no longer necessary or to exchange them for necessary items which may be used to greater advantage. When any such surplus equipment is sold or exchanged, a receipt for it shall be taken from the purchaser showing the consideration given for such equipment and shall be forwarded to the Office of the State Treasurer; and any funds received by the agency pursuant to any such transactions shall be deposited in the state treasury in the appropriate federal or state rehabilitation account and shall be available for expenditures for any purposes consistent with this chapter.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-16 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-18 - Confidentiality; penalty

It shall be unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the vocational rehabilitation program and in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures, for any person or persons to solicit, disclose, receive, or make use of or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in, or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or names of, or any information concerning persons applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation, directly or indirectly derived from the records. Any person who violates any provision of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-17 by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-19 - Governing prohibitions

Employees of the agency engaged in functions under this chapter shall be governed by the prohibitions in the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Board and the federal Office of Personnel Management from participation in political activity.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-18 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-20 - Rights of General Assembly to amend or repeal chapter

The General Assembly reserves the right to amend or repeal all or any part of this chapter at any time, and there shall be no vested private right of any kind against such amendment or repeal. All the rights, privileges, or immunities conferred by this chapter or by acts done pursuant thereto shall exist subject to the power of the legislature to amend or repeal this chapter at any time.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-19 by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-21) › Section 49-9-21 - Delivery of deaf-blind services and techniques leading to maximum independence; integration

(a)
The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall oversee the delivery of deaf-blind services and techniques provided by an organization pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section that lead to maximum independence and employment for individuals with both a hearing and a vision loss. These services shall include, but not be limited to, transition of deaf-blind youth from education to the work force; identification of deaf-blind individuals in Georgia; communication access for varying groups of individuals and their unique needs; training deaf-blind individuals in orientation and mobility, rehabilitation, and Braille; utilization of support service providers to function as sighted guides, communication facilitators, and providers of transportation; support and increase in the number of qualified sign language interpreters working with deaf-blind individuals; use of adaptive technologies, such as computers, telebraillers, and TTY devices; strategies and techniques to assist deaf-blind individuals in obtaining the highest level of independence possible; and peer support which provides access to information, people, and places.
(b)
The agency shall, to the greatest extent possible, integrate the services and techniques required pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section into its standard practices and procedures with the objective of providing appropriate services in an appropriate manner to individuals in the deaf-blind community.
(c)
Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall retain an organization knowledgeable on deaf-blind issues to provide the services and techniques included in subsection (a) of this Code section to deaf-blind individuals and to provide comprehensive training to agency staff on such services and techniques required pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section. Such organization shall be retained no later than six months after funding from appropriations by the General Assembly has been made available for expenditure by the agency.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-20 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 471,§ 34, eff. 5/12/2008.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 140,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 2 - VENDING FACILITIES ON STATE PROPERTY (§§ 49-9-40 — 49-9-42) › Section 49-9-40 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"State property" means any building, land, or other real property owned, leased, or occupied by any department, commission, board, bureau, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality of the state, including, but not limited to, the Georgia Building Authority, and any other real property in which the state has a legal or beneficial interest; provided, however, the term "state property" shall not include any property, real or personal, owned or leased or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Education Authority (University), or any county or independent school system of this state.
(2)
"Vending facility" means vending stands, vending machines, snack bars, cart service, shelters, counters, and such other appropriate facilities and equipment as may be necessary for the sale of articles or services by licensed blind persons or other persons with disabilities, as prescribed by rules and regulations adopted by the agency.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-40 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 2 - VENDING FACILITIES ON STATE PROPERTY (§§ 49-9-40 — 49-9-42) › Section 49-9-41 - Declaration of public policy; income

To effectuate the purposes of this article, it is declared to be public policy of the state that on any state property where the board determines it to be feasible to establish a vending facility to be operated by a licensed operator as provided in this article and where the agency or department or custodian of such property determines that such facility can be established without undue inconvenience to the operation being carried on in such state building or property, the preference accorded in this article shall require that such vending facility site not be deemed available for letting to competitive bidders for revenue-producing purposes unless the board declines to establish on such site a vending facility for blind persons or other persons with disabilities. The income to the agency or department or custodian controlling the space for such facility sites shall generally not be expected to exceed reimbursement for the cost of providing such facility site space and the services connected therewith; but in any case where such income exceeds those purposes, it shall be paid into the state treasury, subject to certification and audit.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-41 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 2 - VENDING FACILITIES ON STATE PROPERTY (§§ 49-9-40 — 49-9-42) › Section 49-9-42 - Operation of vending facilities on state property; preference for licensed disabled persons

For the purpose of providing blind persons or other persons with disabilities with remunerative employment, enlarging their economic opportunities, and stimulating them to greater effort in striving to make themselves self-supporting, such blind persons or other persons with disabilities who are licensed by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any state property where such vending facilities may be properly and satisfactorily operated by blind persons or other persons with disabilities. In authorizing the operation of vending facilities on state property, preference shall be given, so far as feasible, to blind persons or other persons with disabilities licensed by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency as provided in this article; and the head of each department or agency in control of the maintenance, operation, and protection of state property shall, after consultation with the board and with the approval of the Governor, prescribe regulations designed to assure such preference (including assignment of vending machine income to achieve and protect such preference) for such licensed blind persons or other persons with disabilities without unduly inconveniencing such departments and agencies or adversely affecting the interests of the state.
Renumbered from Code Section 34-15-42 and amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 608,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 3 - EMPLOYMENT FIRST GEORGIA COUNCIL (§§ 49-9-50 — 49-9-53) › Section 49-9-50 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Competitive integrated employment" means work, including self-employment, in the labor market performed on a full-time or part-time basis in a setting in which an individual with a disability interacts with individuals without disabilities in all aspects of the job function and for which such individual with a disability is compensated at or above the level of salary and benefits paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by individuals without disabilities.
(2)
"Council" means the Employment First Georgia Council established pursuant to Code Section
49-9-51
.
(3)
"Disability" means a permanent physical, cognitive, or behavioral condition that significantly limits one or more functions of daily living.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 455,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 3 - EMPLOYMENT FIRST GEORGIA COUNCIL (§§ 49-9-50 — 49-9-53) › Section 49-9-52 - Purpose of council; "Employment First Policy" or "Employment First."

The purpose of the Employment First Georgia Council shall be to advise the Governor, General Assembly, and state agencies as to the adoption and integration of a policy that recognizes that competitive integrated employment, including self-employment, is the first and preferred option of all state funded services provided to working age individuals with disabilities. Such policy shall be known as the "Employment First Policy" or "Employment First."
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 455,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 9 - REHABILITATION SERVICES (§§ 49-9-1 — 49-9-53) › Article 3 - EMPLOYMENT FIRST GEORGIA COUNCIL (§§ 49-9-50 — 49-9-53) › Section 49-9-53 - Powers, duties, and responsibilities of council

The council shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities to:
(1)
Develop an Employment First training plan for providers of services to individuals with disabilities;
(2)
Coordinate and conduct with other state, federal, and private entities, as appropriate, educational activities to increase awareness of the Employment First Policy;
(3)
Evaluate the funding mechanism for services in the state for individuals with disabilities and for students attending inclusive postsecondary institutions;
(4)
Review and make recommendations in a biannual report to the Governor and the General Assembly with regard to issues and necessary steps surrounding the adoption and implementation of the Employment First Policy, including, but not limited to, the following:
(A)
Proposed legislative or administrative changes to policies and programs that are integral to the full implementations of the Employment First Policy;
(B)
Proposed changes to or creation of funding mechanisms and other initiatives for services in the state for individuals with disabilities and for students attending inclusive postsecondary institutions; and
(C)
State-wide best practices to ensure that providers of services are facilitating competitive integrated employment in the workforce; and
(5)
Carry out any other functions assigned to the council by the Governor or by general law.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 455,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 10 - GEORGIA BOARD FOR PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE (§§ 49-10-1 — 49-10-7) › Section 49-10-2 - Purpose

The purpose of the board shall be to address the health care workforce needs of Georgia communities through the support and development of medical education programs and to increase the number of physicians and health care practitioners practicing in underserved rural areas.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 113,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2011.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 10 - GEORGIA BOARD FOR PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE (§§ 49-10-1 — 49-10-7) › Section 49-10-3 - Powers, duties, and responsibilities

The board shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities:
(1)
To locate and determine specific underserved areas of the state in which unmet priority needs exist for physicians and health care practitioners by monitoring and evaluating the supply and distribution of physicians and health care practitioners by specialty and geographical location;
(2)
To award service cancelable loans and scholarships pursuant to Part 6 of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 20, Chapter 34 of Title 31, or as otherwise provided by law;
(3)
To approve and allocate state appropriations for family practice training programs, including but not limited to fellowships in geriatrics and other areas of need as may be identified by the board;
(4)
To approve and allocate state appropriations for designated pediatric training programs;
(5)
To approve and allocate any other state funds appropriated to the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce to carry out its purposes;
(6)
To coordinate and conduct with other state, federal, and private entities, as appropriate, activities to increase the number of graduating physicians and health care practitioners who remain in Georgia to practice with an emphasis on medically underserved areas of the state;
(7)
To apply for grants and to solicit and accept donations, gifts, and contributions from any source for the purposes of studying or engaging one or more contractors to study issues relevant to medical education or implementing initiatives designed to enhance the medical education infrastructure of this state and to meet the physician and other health care practitioners workforce needs of Georgia communities; and
(8)
To carry out any other functions assigned to the board by general law.
Amended by 2019 Ga. Laws 50,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 684,§ 49, eff. 5/1/2012.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 113,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 27,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws V3, §9, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 49 - SOCIAL SERVICES (§§ 49-1-1 — 49-10-7) › Chapter 10 - GEORGIA BOARD FOR PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE (§§ 49-10-1 — 49-10-7) › Section 49-10-4 - Power to contract; rules and regulations

The board shall have the power to contract with other state and federal agencies, persons, corporations, associations, institutions, and authorities in carrying out its responsibilities. In addition, the board shall have the authority to adopt reasonable rules and regulations to carry out those responsibilities.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-1 - Agency mailing lists; updating; restriction on mailing materials to officials no longer in office

(a)
For the purpose of this Code section, the term "state agency" means a department, agency, board, commission, or authority of state government.
(b)
Each state agency is required to update annually all mailing lists of the agency.
(c)
No state agency shall mail publications or materials to a previously elected state officer who is no longer in office except upon written request.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-2 - Privileges and exemptions accorded the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representatives Office

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representatives Office in the United States, while it maintains an office in the State of Georgia, shall be accorded the same privileges and exemptions concerning taxation, the operation of motor vehicles, education, immunity, and any other privileges and exemptions as provided by the Taiwan Relations Act,
22 U.S.C. Section 3301
, et seq.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 68,§ 30-1, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 462, § 50, eff. 4/18/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-3 - Poet laureate

(a)
There is created the position of poet laureate of the State of Georgia.
(b)
The poet laureate shall be appointed by the Governor from a list of three nominees submitted to him by the Georgia Council for the Arts.
(c)
The council shall submit the list of three nominees to the Governor within 30 days after the Governor takes the oath of office for a full term. The Governor shall appoint the poet laureate within 30 days after receiving the list of nominees. The poet laureate shall be appointed to serve for a term of office concurrent with the term of office of the Governor or until a successor is appointed and qualified as provided in this Code section.
(d)
In the event of a vacancy in the office of poet laureate, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and the person so appointed shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified as provided in this Code section.
(e)
Any person serving on April 13, 1981, in the position of poet laureate as created by executive order shall continue in the position and no appointment shall be effective under this Code section until such time as the person serving as poet laureate on April 13, 1981, either vacates the office or a vacancy occurs in the office in any other manner.
(f)
The poet laureate shall be an honorary position and the person appointed shall receive no remuneration.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 50 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-40-84) › Chapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-12) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 50-1-1 — 50-1-11) › Section 50-1-4 - Employment position to remain open upon granting of involuntary separation benefits by state agency

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "state agency" means any department, agency, board, commission, or authority of the state or any political subdivision thereof, any employees of which are members of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.
(b)
Any time a state employee entitled to receive involuntary separation retirement benefits pursuant to Code Section
47-2-123
is involuntarily separated from employment and such employee is granted such involuntary separation benefits, the employment position such employee held within a state agency at the time of such involuntary separation from service shall remain open and unfilled permanently. In addition, an amount equal to the sum of such employee's salary at the time of such involuntary separation from service and the cost of such employee's retirement with involuntary separation benefits shall be deleted permanently from the employing state agency's annual appropriations budget.
(c)
The provisions of this Code section shall not apply to an employee who is involuntarily separated from service because of a mandatory retirement age or as a direct result of an Act of the General Assembly which abolishes such employee's position.