reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 1 - HOUSING AUTHORITIES (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-137) › Part 6 - PROVIDING HOUSING FOR PERSONS ENGAGED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRIES OR ACTIVITIES (§§ 8-3-130 — 8-3-137) › Section 8-3-134 - Cooperation by an authority with federal government, other public bodies, and private agencies; leases of projects by an authority from federal government

A housing authority may exercise any or all of its powers to aid and cooperate with the federal government in making housing available for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities; may act as agent for the federal government in developing and administering projects undertaken by the federal government to provide such housing; may lease such projects from the federal government; and may arrange with other public bodies and with private agencies for such services and facilities as may be needed for such projects.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 1 - HOUSING AUTHORITIES (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-137) › Part 6 - PROVIDING HOUSING FOR PERSONS ENGAGED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRIES OR ACTIVITIES (§§ 8-3-130 — 8-3-137) › Section 8-3-135 - Aid and cooperation by state public bodies in development and administration of projects

(a)
With respect to projects undertaken by a housing authority or the federal government to provide housing for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities, any state public body, as defined in Code Section
8-3-152
, shall have all the rights and powers to aid and cooperate in the development or administration of such projects that it has under any provision of law relating to its aiding or cooperating in the development or administration of low-rent housing and slum clearance projects in the same manner as though all the provisions of law applicable thereto were applicable to projects undertaken by a housing authority or by the federal government to provide housing for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities.
(b)
With respect to projects located outside the territorial boundaries of a state public body which are undertaken by a housing authority or the federal government to provide housing for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities, such state public body may furnish or contract to furnish, upon such terms as it deems advisable, public services or facilities for any such project if the governing body of the city or county, as the case may be, in which such project is located shall, by resolution, consent thereto.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 1 - HOUSING AUTHORITIES (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-137) › Part 6 - PROVIDING HOUSING FOR PERSONS ENGAGED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRIES OR ACTIVITIES (§§ 8-3-130 — 8-3-137) › Section 8-3-136 - Issuance of bonds, notes, and other obligations by an authority

(a)
The development of a project shall be deemed to have been initiated under this part if a housing authority has issued any bonds, notes, or other obligations to finance the cost thereof.
(b)
Bonds or other obligations issued by a housing authority for a project developed or administered under this part shall be security for public deposits and legal investments to the same extent and for the same persons, institutions, associations, corporations, bodies, and officers as bonds or other obligations issued pursuant to other provisions of this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 1 - HOUSING AUTHORITIES (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-137) › Part 6 - PROVIDING HOUSING FOR PERSONS ENGAGED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRIES OR ACTIVITIES (§§ 8-3-130 — 8-3-137) › Section 8-3-137 - Authorization for an authority to undertake projects and to cooperate with or act as agent for federal government; applicability of limitations, restrictions, and requirements in other; scope of powers

(a)
This part shall constitute an independent authorization for a housing authority to undertake the development or administration of projects to provide housing for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities and to cooperate with, or act as agent for, the federal government in the development or administration of projects undertaken by the federal government to make housing available for such persons. In acting under this part, a housing authority shall not be subject to any limitations, restrictions, or requirements of other laws (except those relating to land acquisition) which prescribe or limit the procedure or action to be taken in the development or administration of any buildings, property, or public works, including, but not limited to, low-rent housing and slum clearance projects or undertakings or projects of municipal or public corporations or political subdivisions or agencies of the state.
(b)
A housing authority may do any and all things necessary or desirable to cooperate with, or act as agent for, the federal government, or to secure financial aid, for the expeditious development or the administration of projects to make housing available for persons engaged or to be engaged in national defense industries or activities and to effectuate the purposes of this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-150 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Housing Cooperation Law."
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 521,§ 8, eff. 7/29/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-151 - Legislative findings and declaration of necessity

It has been found and declared in Article 1 of this chapter, the "Housing Authorities Law," that there exist in the state unsafe and insanitary housing conditions and a shortage of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income; that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities; and that the public interest requires the remedying of these conditions. It is found and declared that the assistance provided in this article for the remedying of the conditions set forth in Article 1 of this chapter constitutes a public use and purpose and an essential governmental function for which public moneys may be spent, and that the provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary in the public interest.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-152 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Federal government" means the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
(2)
"Housing authority" means any housing authority created pursuant to Article 1 of this chapter, the "Housing Authorities Law."
(3)
"Housing project" means any work or undertaking of a housing authority pursuant to Article 1 of this chapter or any similar work or undertaking of the federal government.
(4)
"State public body" means any city, county, commission, district, authority, or other subdivision or public body of the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-154 - Contracts for payments to state public bodies for improvements, services, and facilities provided

In connection with any housing project located wholly or partly within the area in which it is authorized to act, any state public body may contract with a housing authority or the federal government with respect to the sum or sums, if any, which the housing authority or the federal government may agree to pay, during any year or period of years, to the state public body for the improvements, services, and facilities to be provided by the state public body for the benefit of said housing project or its residents; but in no event shall the amount of such payments exceed the estimated cost to the state public body of the improvements, services, or facilities to be so supplied; provided, however, that the absence of a contract for such payments shall in no way relieve state public bodies of the duty to furnish, for the benefit of said housing project and its residents, customary improvements and such services and facilities as state public bodies usually furnish without a service fee.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-155 - Appropriations to an authority by a city or a county for first-year expenses; loans and donations to authority

(a)
When any housing authority which is created for any city or county becomes authorized to transact business and exercises its powers therein, the city council or the county commissioners, as the case may be, shall immediately make an estimate of the amount of money necessary for the administrative expense and overhead of such housing authority during the first year thereafter and shall appropriate such amount to the authority out of any moneys in such city or county treasury not appropriated to some other purposes. The moneys so appropriated shall be paid to the authority as a donation.
(b)
Any city or county located in whole or in part within the area of operation of a housing authority shall have the power from time to time to lend or donate money to the authority or to agree to take such action. The housing authority, when it has money available therefor, shall make reimbursement for all such loans made to it.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 2 - HOUSING COOPERATION LAW (§§ 8-3-150 — 8-3-156) › Section 8-3-156 - Procedure for exercise of powers granted by article to state public bodies

The exercise by a state public body of the powers granted by this article may be authorized by resolution of the governing body of such state public body. The resolution shall be adopted by a majority of the members of the governing body present at a meeting of said governing body, which resolution may be adopted at the meeting at which such resolution is introduced. Such a resolution or resolutions shall take effect immediately and need not be laid over or published or posted.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 3 - OFFICE OF HOUSING (§§ 8-3-170 — 8-3-172) › Section 8-3-170 - Legislative findings; powers and duties of State Office of Housing

The General Assembly finds and declares that housing is an issue of paramount concern to this state which affects the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this state and the economic viability and planned growth of its communities. The General Assembly further finds and declares that the provision of and planning for housing and housing related matters are issues that are intrinsically intertwined with the ability to provide for the financing of housing activities. For this reason, the General Assembly designates the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority as the State Office of Housing and assigns it the following powers and duties:
(1)
To be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of a coordinated state housing program;
(2)
To provide technical and financial assistance on housing and housing related matters throughout the state;
(3)
To perform such housing related duties as may be assigned it by the Governor or the General Assembly;
(4)
To apply for and receive and to administer federal funds under any federal housing program for which the state is an eligible applicant and, in the administration of such funds, to enter into such contracts as it deems necessary and to expend such state funds as the General Assembly may appropriate for such purposes;
(5)
To coordinate activities and work in conjunction with the Farmers Home Administration, which activities may include, but not be limited to, processing loan applicants and loans, community outreach activities, and financial assistance in the form of interest or down payment subsidies or write-downs; and
(6)
To coordinate housing related activities and work in conjunction with private, federal, or quasi-governmental entities, which entities shall include, but not be limited to, the Federal Housing Administration, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 3 - OFFICE OF HOUSING (§§ 8-3-170 — 8-3-172) › Section 8-3-171 - State housing goal and report; assistance by other agencies and political subdivisions

The General Assembly affirms the state's policy to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing to all segments of the population of this state. The State Office of Housing is authorized and directed to develop a state housing goal and shall prepare a state housing goal report for presentation to the General Assembly, commencing with the 1990 session and continuing every even-numbered year thereafter. The report shall identify housing needs and housing accomplishments and outline plans for achieving the state housing goal. The state and its agencies, institutions, authorities, commissions, bureaus, and entities which are political subdivisions of the state, cities and counties, local housing authorities, and any urban residential finance authority are authorized and directed to provide such information and perform such duties and functions as may be required to assist the State Office of Housing to prepare its reports and perform its functions.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 3 - OFFICE OF HOUSING (§§ 8-3-170 — 8-3-172) › Section 8-3-172 - Funding for single-family housing; construction requirements

(a)
The State Office of Housing shall award state or federal funds to construct single-family affordable housing for individuals and families of low and very low income only to persons whose application indicates that the affordable housing that is the subject of the application and for which a building permit is issued on or after July 1, 2000, will be constructed so that:
(1)
At least one entrance door, whether located at the front, side, or back of the building:
(A)
Is on an accessible route served by a ramp or no-step entrance; and
(B)
Has at least a standard 36 inch door;
(2)
On the first floor of the building:
(A)
Each interior door is at least a standard 32 inch door, unless the door provides access only to a closet of less than 15 square feet in area;
(B)
Each hallway has a width of at least 36 inches and is level, with ramped or beveled changes at each door threshold;
(C)
Each bathroom wall is reinforced for potential installation of grab bars;
(D)
Each electrical panel or breaker box, light switch, or thermostat is not higher than 48 inches above the floor; and
(E)
Each electrical plug or other receptacle is at least 15 inches above the floor; and
(3)
The main breaker box is located inside the building on the first floor.
(b)
A person who builds single-family affordable housing to which this Code section applies may obtain a waiver from the State Office of Housing of the requirement described in subparagraph (a)(1)(A) of this Code section if the cost of grading and other improvements to the terrain which are required in order to meet the requirement of such subparagraph is unreasonably expensive.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-200 - State policy; purposes and construction of article

(a)
It is the policy of the State of Georgia to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout this state.
(b)
The general purposes of this article are:
(1)
To provide for execution in the state of policies embodied in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988;
(2)
To safeguard all individuals from discrimination in any aspect relating to the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings or in the provision of brokerage services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling because of that individual's race, color, religion, sex, disability or handicap, familial status, or national origin;
(3)
To promote the elimination of discrimination in any aspect relating to the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings or in the provision of brokerage services or facilities in connection with the sale or rental of a dwelling because of a person's race, color, religion, sex, disability or handicap, familial status, or national origin; and
(4)
To promote the protection of each individual's interest in personal dignity and freedom from humiliation and the individual's freedom to take up residence wherever such individual chooses; to secure the state against domestic strife and unrest which would menace its democratic institutions; to preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare; and to further the interests, rights, and privileges of individuals within this state.
(c)
This article shall be broadly construed to further the general purposes stated in this Code section and the special purposes of the particular provision involved.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 521,§ 8, eff. 7/29/2020.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-203 - Unlawful denial of or discrimination in membership or participation in service or organization relating to selling or renting dwellings

It shall be unlawful to deny any person access to or membership or participation in any multiple-listing service, real estate brokers' organization, or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings or to discriminate against such person in the terms or conditions of such access, membership, or participation on account of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-204 - Discrimination in residential real estate related transactions; appraisals

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "residential real estate related transaction" means any of the following:
(1)
The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance:
(A)
For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling; or
(B)
Secured by residential real estate; or
(2)
The selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real property.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
(c)
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property from taking into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-207 - Educational and conciliatory activities; conferences; consultation as to extent of discrimination; reports

The administrator shall commence such educational and conciliatory activities as in the administrator's judgment will further the purposes of this article. The administrator shall call conferences of persons in the housing industry and other interested parties to acquaint them with this article and the administrator's suggested means of implementing this article and shall endeavor with their advice to work out programs of voluntary compliance and of enforcement. The administrator shall consult with state and local officials and other interested parties to learn the extent, if any, to which housing discrimination exists in this state, and whether and how enforcement programs might be utilized to combat such discrimination in connection with the administrator's enforcement of this article. The administrator shall issue reports on such conferences and consultations as the administrator deems appropriate.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-208 - Discriminatory housing practice complaint procedures

(a)
An aggrieved person may, not later than one year after an alleged discriminatory housing practice has occurred or terminated, file a complaint with the administrator alleging such discriminatory housing practice. The administrator, on the administrator's own initiative, may also file such a complaint. Complaints shall be in writing and under oath and shall contain such information and be in such form as the administrator requires. Upon the filing of a complaint under this subsection, the administrator shall serve notice upon the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising the aggrieved person of procedural time limits and the choice of forums provided under this article.
(b)
The administrator shall, not later than ten days after the filing of a complaint or the identification of an additional respondent under subsection (d) of this Code section, serve on the respondent a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising such respondent of the procedural rights and obligations under this article, together with a copy of the original complaint. Each respondent may file, not later than ten days after receipt of notice from the administrator, an answer to the complaint.
(c)
Complaints and answers shall be verified and may be reasonably and fairly amended at any time.
(d)
A person who is not named as a respondent in a complaint, but who is identified as a respondent in the course of an investigation, may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice to such person from the administrator as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section. In addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (b) of this Code section, the notice shall explain the basis for the administrator's belief that such person is properly joined as a respondent.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-210 - Procedure where local fair housing law applicable

Wherever a local fair housing law provides rights and remedies for alleged discriminatory housing practices which are substantially equivalent, as certified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as provided in Section 810 of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, to the rights and remedies provided under this article, the administrator shall notify the appropriate local agency of any complaint filed which appears to constitute a violation of the local fair housing law, and the administrator shall take no further action with respect to such complaint if the local law enforcement official has, within 30 days from the date the alleged offense was brought to his attention, commenced proceedings in the matter. In no event shall the administrator take further action unless the administrator certifies that, in the administrator's judgment under the circumstances of the particular case, the protection of the rights of the parties or the interests of justice require such action.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-211 - Procedure on filing of discriminatory housing practice complaint

(a)
The administrator shall, within 100 days after the filing of the complaint, determine based on the facts whether reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, unless it is impracticable to do so or unless the administrator has approved a conciliation agreement with respect to the complaint. If the administrator is unable to make the determination within 100 days after the filing of the complaint, the administrator shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the reasons for not doing so.
(b)
(1)
If the administrator determines that reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the administrator shall, except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, immediately issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person.
(2)
The charge shall consist of a short and plain statement of the facts upon which the administrator has found reasonable cause to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, shall be based on the final investigative report, and need not be limited to the facts or grounds alleged in the complaint.
(3)
If, after investigation, the administrator determines that the matter involves the legality of any state or local zoning or other land use law or ordinance, the administrator shall immediately refer the matter to the Attorney General for appropriate action instead of issuing such charge.
(c)
If the administrator determines that no reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the administrator shall promptly dismiss the complaint. The administrator shall make public disclosure of each such dismissal. The administrator may not issue a charge under this Code section regarding an alleged discriminatory housing practice after the beginning of the trial of a civil action commenced by the aggrieved party under an act of Congress or a state law, seeking relief with respect to that discriminatory housing practice. After the administrator issues a charge under this Code section, the administrator shall cause a copy thereof to be served on each respondent named in such charge, together with a notice of opportunity for a hearing at a time and place specified in the notice, and on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-212 - Subpoenas and discovery; penalties for violations

(a)
The administrator may issue subpoenas and order discovery in aid of investigations and hearings under this article. Such subpoenas and discovery may be ordered to the same extent and subject to the same limitations as would apply if the subpoenas or discovery were ordered or served in aid of a civil action in superior court in which the investigation is taking place.
(b)
Witnesses summoned by a subpoena under this Code section shall be entitled to the same witness and mileage fees as witnesses in proceedings in superior courts. Fees payable to a witness summoned by a subpoena issued at the request of a party shall be paid by the party.
(c)
(1)
Any person who willfully fails or neglects to attend and testify or to answer any lawful inquiry or to produce records, documents, or other evidence, if it is in such person's power to do so, in obedience to the subpoena or other lawful order under subsection (a) of this Code section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00.
(2)
Any person who, with intent thereby to mislead another person in any proceeding under this article:
(A)
Makes or causes to be made any false entry or statement of fact in any report, account, record, or other document produced pursuant to subpoena or other lawful order under subsection (a) of this Code section;
(B)
Willfully neglects or fails to make or to cause to be made full, true, and correct entries in such reports, accounts, records, or other documents; or
(C)
Willfully mutilates, alters, or by any other means falsifies any documentary evidence
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $1,000.00.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-215 - Appeal from order of administrative law judge; attorney's fees and costs

(a)
Any party to a hearing before the administrative law judge may appeal any adverse final order of the administrative law judge by filing a petition for review in the Superior Court of Fulton County within 30 days of the issuance of the final order. The administrative law judge shall not be a named party. The administrator must be served with a copy of the petition for review. Within 30 days after the petition is served on the administrator, the administrator shall forward to the court a certified copy of the record of the hearing before the administrative law judge, including the transcript of the hearing before the administrative law judge and all evidence, administrative pleadings, and orders, or the entire record if no hearing has been held. For good cause shown, the court may require or permit subsequent corrections or additions to the record. All appeals for judicial review shall be in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act"; provided, however, that, if any provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50 conflict with any provision of this article, this article controls.
(b)
The court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the administrative law judge as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact. The court may affirm a final order of the administrative law judge or remand the case for further proceedings. The court may reverse or modify the final order if substantial rights of the appellant have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, or decisions are:
(1)
In violation of constitutional or statutory provisions;
(2)
In excess of the statutory authority of the agency;
(3)
Made upon unlawful procedures;
(4)
Affected by other error of law;
(5)
Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence on the whole record; or
(6)
Arbitrary, capricious, or characterized by abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion.
(c)
Upon judicial review of any order of the administrator or in a proceeding in which a complainant seeks enforcement of a conciliation agreement, the court in its discretion may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees and costs; provided, however, that a respondent may be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and court costs only if the respondent prevails on all alleged violations in the order or of the conciliation agreement and upon a showing that the action is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 701,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 556,§ 6, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-216 - Filing order of administrator in superior court and judgment thereon

Any person affected by a final order of the administrator may file in the superior court of the county of the residence of the respondent a certified copy of a final order of the administrator unappealed from or of a final order of the administrator affirmed upon appeal, whereupon said court shall render judgment in accordance therewith and notify the parties. Such judgment shall have the same effect and all proceedings in relation thereto shall thereafter be the same as though the judgment had been rendered in an action duly heard and determined by the court.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 556,§ 7, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-219 - Expediting of actions under Code Section 8-3-217 or 8-3-218

Any court in which a proceeding is instituted under Code Section
8-3-217
or
8-3-218
shall assign the case for hearing at the earliest practicable date and cause the case to be expedited.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-220 - Adoption of provisions in local ordinance

A political subdivision of this state may adopt verbatim the laws against discriminatory housing practices cited in Code Section
8-3-202
,
8-3-203
,
8-3-204
,
8-3-205
, or
8-3-222
of this article as a local ordinance but may not expand or reduce the rights granted by this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-221 - Cooperation with federal and local agencies

The administrator may cooperate with federal and local agencies charged with the administration of federal and local fair housing laws or ordinances and, with the consent of such agencies, utilize the services of such agencies and their employees. In furtherance of such cooperative efforts, the administrator may enter into written agreements with such federal or local agencies. All agreements and terminations thereof shall be published in the Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-222 - Coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference

It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of such person's having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of such person's having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 4 - FAIR HOUSING (§§ 8-3-200 — 8-3-223) › Section 8-3-223 - Compliance with federal law

Compliance with the provisions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (Pub. L. No. 100-430) shall be deemed compliance with the provisions of paragraph (7) of Code Section
8-3-201
and subparagraph (a)(7)(B) of Code Section
8-3-202
. In addition, should any provision of this article relating to the treatment of persons with disabilities be in conflict with any provision of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, then the provisions of the latter shall prevail.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-300 - Short title

This article shall be known and may be cited as the 'State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Act.'
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 701,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-302 - Fund created

The State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless is created as a separate fund in the state treasury. The fund shall be expended only as provided in this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-303 - Amounts credited to trust fund

The state treasurer shall credit to the trust fund all amounts appropriated or otherwise donated to such trust fund. All funds appropriated to or otherwise paid or credited to the trust fund shall be presumptively concluded to have been committed to the purpose for which they have been appropriated or paid and shall not lapse. All funds appropriated, donated, or otherwise received for the specific purpose of the stable housing accountability programs shall be used exclusively for such programs.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-304 - Investments

The state treasurer shall invest trust fund money in the same manner in which state funds are invested as authorized by the State Depository Board pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 17 of Title 50.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-305 - Payments from fund

The Office of the State Treasurer shall be authorized to draw a warrant or warrants upon the trust fund upon receipt of an order for payment of the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission, which order for payment has been approved by the Governor.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-306 - Commission established; members; officers; support personnel; appropriations and budget through Department of Community Affairs

(a)
(1)
There is established the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission which shall consist of nine members. Two of the nine members shall be the commissioner of community affairs, or his or her designee, and either the chairperson of the Board of Community Affairs or a member of the Board of Community Affairs designated by the chairperson. The Governor shall appoint three of the public members and the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint two of the public members. The public members shall be knowledgeable in the area of housing and, to the extent practicable, shall represent diverse housing concerns.
(2)
Public members shall serve for a term of four years except that initial appointments shall be staggered as follows: three of the appointees shall serve an initial term of four years and four of the appointees shall serve an initial term of two years. Public members shall continue in office until their successors have been appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy in the office of a public member by death, resignation, or otherwise, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve the balance of the unexpired term.
(3)
Membership on the commission does not constitute public office, and no member shall be disqualified from holding public office by reason of his or her membership.
(b)
The commission shall elect a chairperson who shall serve in that position for a term of two years. The commission shall elect such other officers and appoint committees as it deems appropriate.
(c)
The commission shall hire no staff but shall contract with the Department of Community Affairs for professional, technical, and clerical support from the Department of Community Affairs as required. In the event that the Department of Community Affairs is unable to provide the professional, technical, or clerical services required, the commission may hire outside consultants on a specified project basis.
(d)
Any and all appropriations made to the trust fund pursuant to the general appropriations Act or the supplemental appropriations Act shall be directed through the Department of Community Affairs. The commission shall submit its budget to and through the Department of Community Affairs.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-307 - Expense allowance and travel reimbursement for members of commission

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall receive the same expense allowance per day as that received by a member of the General Assembly for each day such member is in physical attendance at a commission meeting, plus either reimbursement for actual transportation costs while traveling by public carrier or the same mileage allowance for use of a personal car in connection with such attendance as members of the General Assembly receive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no member shall receive said expense allowance or travel reimbursement if said member is entitled to receive an expense allowance or travel reimbursement or salary for performance of duties on some other state board, commission, or entity, by whatever name called, for work performed on that day in the same location. Expense allowances and travel reimbursement shall be paid from moneys appropriated or otherwise available to the trust fund.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-308 - Duties of commission

The commission shall:
(1)
Meet at such times and places as it shall determine necessary or convenient to perform its duties;
(2)
Maintain minutes of its meetings;
(3)
Adopt rules and regulations for the transaction of its business;
(4)
Accept applications for disbursements of available moneys from the trust fund for residential housing projects and stable housing accountability programs in accordance with Code Sections
8-3-310
and
8-3-311
; and
(5)
Maintain or cause to be maintained records of all expenditures of the commission, all funds received, and all disbursements made.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-309 - Acceptance of federal funds; disposition

The commission may accept federal funds granted by Congress or executive order, appropriations from the General Assembly, and gifts, grants, and donations from individuals, private organizations, or foundations for the purposes of residential housing projects. The commission may also accept appropriations from the General Assembly, federal funds granted by Congress or executive order, and gifts, grants, and donations from individuals, private organizations, or foundations for the stable housing accountability programs; provided, however, that in no event shall any such funds be accepted if there are conditions for the use of such funds in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this article. All funds received in this manner shall be transmitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the trust fund to be disbursed as other moneys in the trust fund.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 621,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-310 - Authorized disbursement

With respect to residential housing projects, the commission may authorize the disbursement of available money from the trust fund for residential housing projects sponsored by a qualified sponsor. The commission may consult, as appropriate, with persons with varied and diverse interests in housing in order to acquaint them with the trust fund and to solicit information relating to housing needs, residential housing projects, and criteria for selection of residential housing projects. The criteria for making such disbursement decisions shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(1)
The number of persons assisted;
(2)
The leveraging of money or in-kind services by a qualified sponsor;
(3)
The geographic distribution of residential housing projects;
(4)
The availability of other forms of assistance; and
(5)
Any and all other factors bearing upon the advisability and necessity of the residential housing project.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-312 - [Disbursement of funds]

Funds may be disbursed from the trust fund to pay expenses of the commission, to pay any and all operating expenses, and to pay for professional, technical, and clerical services provided the commission by the Department of Community Affairs or by other outside sources.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 8 - BUILDINGS AND HOUSING (§§ 8-1-1 — 8-7-1) › Chapter 3 - HOUSING GENERALLY (§§ 8-3-1 — 8-3-332) › Article 5 - HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR THE HOMELESS (§§ 8-3-300 — 8-3-313) › Section 8-3-313 - Powers of commission to hold title, foreclose, commence action to protect or enforce rights, and exercise other rights for its benefit or protection

(a)
The commission shall have the power to hold title to any residential housing project or stable housing accountability program financed by it, but it shall not be required to do so.
(b)
The commission shall have the power to foreclose on any mortgage or security interest in default and to commence any action to protect or enforce any right conferred upon it by any law, mortgage, security agreement, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, contract, or other agreement; to bid for and purchase property which was the subject of such mortgage or security interest at any foreclosure or at any other sale; to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure; to acquire or take possession of such property; and to exercise any and all rights as provided by law or contract for the benefit or protection of the commission.
Renumbered from §
8-3-311
and amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 413,§ 1, eff. 711/2024.