reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 5 - GEORGIA JOINT DEFENSE COMMISSION (§§ 20-4-120 — 20-4-134) › Part 2 - DEFENSE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-130 — 20-4-132) › Section 20-4-131 - Administration of grant program; purpose

(a)
Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development shall administer a grant program to be called the Defense Community Economic Development Grant Program, which shall serve the purpose of awarding grants to assist military communities with grant goals.
(b)
The commissioner of the Department of Economic Development shall administer such program and such program's associated funds.
(c)
All funds that were appropriated for the provision of the Defense Community Economic Development Fund shall be transferred to the Department of Economic Development for the provision of the Defense Community Economic Development Grant Program.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 481,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 399,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 5 - GEORGIA JOINT DEFENSE COMMISSION (§§ 20-4-120 — 20-4-134) › Part 2 - DEFENSE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-130 — 20-4-132) › Section 20-4-132 - Awarding of grants

(a)
The amount of any grant awarded pursuant to this part shall be determined by the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development on a case-by-case review of applications which shall include, but shall not be limited to, a consideration of the grant goal being proposed and the extent to which it:
(1)
Furthers the relationship between the military community and military installation;
(2)
Furthers the military installation's economic development investment into the military community; or
(3)
Assists in efforts to defend the viability of a military installation from a federal review.
(b)
Each military community shall be required as a condition of receipt of any grant awarded pursuant to this part to match such awarded funds. The commissioner of the Department of Economic Development shall prescribe conditions for releasing grant funds based upon a military community matching such funds.
(c)
The commissioner of the Department of Economic Development shall be authorized to charge such fees as are reasonable and necessary to offset costs associated with processing applications submitted pursuant to this part.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 481,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 399,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 5 - GEORGIA JOINT DEFENSE COMMISSION (§§ 20-4-120 — 20-4-134) › Section 20-4-133 - Grant application requirements

Any military community may submit an application to the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development for a grant to assist in the pursuance of a grant goal. Such application shall be submitted on a form and in a manner to be prescribed by the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development. Each application shall, at a minimum, include a statement from the military community applying for such grant as to how such grant goal will contribute to the economic viability of the military installation within such military community.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 481,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 399,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 5 - GEORGIA JOINT DEFENSE COMMISSION (§§ 20-4-120 — 20-4-134) › Section 20-4-134 - Rules and regulations

The commissioner of the Department of Economic Development shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the purposes of this article.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 481,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2018 Ga. Laws 399,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 6 - DUAL ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-140 — 20-4-142) › Section 20-4-140 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2026] Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Dual Achievement Program" or "program" means the program provided for in this article.
(2)
"Eligible student" means a student who meets the qualifications to participate in the program.
(3)
"State board" means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.
(4)
"Technical college system" means the Technical College System of Georgia.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 253,§ 1-3, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 6 - DUAL ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-140 — 20-4-142) › Section 20-4-142 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2026] Automatic repeal

This article shall stand repealed on July 1, 2026.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 253,§ 1-3, eff. 7/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-150 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Apprentice" means a person who is at least 15 years of age, except where a higher minimum age is required by law, who is employed in an eligible apprenticeable occupation, and is registered in Georgia with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(2)
"Apprenticeable occupation" means an occupation approved for apprenticeship by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(3)
"Apprenticeship program" means a program registered with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship that includes terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices, including the requirement for a written apprenticeship agreement.
(4)
"Apprenticeship sponsor" means:
(A)
Any entity operating an apprenticeship program; or
(B)
Any entity in whose name an apprenticeship program is being operated that is registered with or approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(5)
"Board" means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.
(6)
"Eligible apprenticeable occupation" means an apprenticeable occupation identified by the State Workforce Development Board pursuant to Code Section 34-14-3 as a high-demand career.
(7)
"Employer sponsor" means an employer that coordinates with or is an apprenticeship sponsor and employs and trains an apprentice.
(8)
"Office of Workforce Development" means the Technical College System of Georgia's Office of Workforce Development.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 554,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-152 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Annual publication of high-demand jobs

The board and the Office of Workforce Development shall utilize the High-demand Career List provided for in Code Section 34-14-3 for purposes of the High-demand Career Initiatives Program.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 554,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 1-2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-153 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Annual reporting; cooperation from apprenticeship sponsor

(a)
The Office of Workforce Development shall annually report on its website the following information:
(1)
The total amount of compensation awarded under this article;
(2)
The amount of compensation awarded in each field of high-demand careers identified by the State Workforce Development Board pursuant to Code Section 34-14-3;
(3)
The total number of contracts entered into and the number of contracts completed;
(4)
The total number of contracts entered per eligible occupation and the number of those completed;
(5)
The total amount awarded overall with respect to each eligible occupation;
(6)
The total number of apprentices who attended an institution of the Technical College System of Georgia during the course of his or her apprenticeship program; and
(7)
The total number of apprentices who did not attend an institution of the Technical College System of Georgia during the course of his or her apprenticeship program.
(b)
Each apprenticeship sponsor shall fully cooperate in providing statistical information requested by the board or, at the board's discretion, be excluded from participating in the High Demand Apprenticeship Program.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 1-3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 554,§ 2-3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-154 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Rules and regulations

The board shall adopt rules and regulations deemed necessary for the implementation and administration of this article, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, rules and regulations for:
(1)
Establishing a staff review and application approval process;
(2)
Application scoring criteria that shall include provisions that give priority to apprenticeship programs that hire and train apprentices who are:
(A)
Between 15 and 21 years of age; or
(B)
Enrolled in an adult education program and engaged in obtaining a high school diploma;
(3)
The minimum score necessary for approval of a contract; and
(4)
The terms of agreement between an employer sponsor and the board.
Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2024.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-155 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Acceptance of grants or other resources

To assist in carrying out this article, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia is authorized to accept grants of money, materials, services, or property of any kind from a federal agency, private agency, corporation, or individual.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 7 - HIGH-DEMAND CAREER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (§§ 20-4-150 — 20-4-156) › Section 20-4-156 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] Repealer

This article shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Added by 2022 Ga. Laws 728,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-160 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Definitions]

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Apprentice" means a person who is at least 15 years of age, except where a higher minimum age is required by law, who is employed in an eligible apprenticeable occupation, and is registered in Georgia with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(2)
"Apprenticeable occupation" means an occupation approved for apprenticeship by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(3)
"Apprenticeship program" means a program registered with the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship that includes terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices, including the requirement for a written apprenticeship agreement.
(4)
"Apprenticeship sponsor" means:
(A)
Any entity operating an apprenticeship program; or
(B)
Any entity in whose name an apprenticeship program is being operated that is registered with or approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
(5)
"Board" means the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.
(6)
"Eligible apprenticeable occupation" means an apprenticeable occupation identified by the Office of Workforce Development pursuant to Code Section
20-4-152
as a high-demand job.
(7)
"Office of Workforce Development" means the Technical College System of Georgia's Office of Workforce Development.
(8)
"Public service sponsor" means a state or local government entity that coordinates with or is an apprenticeship sponsor and employs and trains an apprentice.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-161 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Public Service Apprenticeship Program]

(a)
Subject to appropriations of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose, the board, in coordination with the Department of Labor, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Education, and the Office of Planning and Budget, shall establish and administer a program through the Office of Workforce Development to be called the Public Service Apprenticeship Program. The purpose of the Public Service Apprenticeship Program is to incentivize apprenticeship sponsors to establish new or grow existing registered apprenticeship programs in Georgia in order to support the growth of apprenticeship programs and expand high-quality work based learning experiences in state and local government fields and careers for persons in Georgia.
(b)
A public service sponsor may apply to the board for the opportunity to enter into a contract to perform the requirements of conducting an apprenticeship program for a specific apprentice. Such contract shall require the public service sponsor's apprentice to successfully complete an apprenticeship program.
(c)
The board shall provide upon request and on the Technical College System of Georgia's public website information about the Public Service Apprenticeship Program, the application, application instructions, and the application period established each year for contracts for services available under such program.
(d)
Upon successful completion of the requirements of a contract under this article, the board shall provide a contract completion award to the public service sponsor. The contract completion award amount shall be determined based on the number of hours of education and training required for the successful completion of the apprenticeship under such apprenticeship program but shall not exceed $5,000.00 per apprentice.
(e)
Each public service sponsor shall only be eligible to enter into contracts under this article for up to ten apprentices per year.
(f)
An apprenticeship sponsor may assist with the application for and completion of an apprenticeship contract authorized by this article.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-162 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Report]

(a)
The Office of Workforce Development shall annually report on its public website the following information for the previous year:
(1)
The total amount of compensation awarded under this article;
(2)
The total number of contracts entered into and the number of contracts completed;
(3)
The total number of apprentices who attended an institution of the Technical College System of Georgia during the course of his or her apprenticeship program; and
(4)
The total number of apprentices who did not attend an institution of the Technical College System of Georgia during the course of his or her apprenticeship program.
(b)
Each apprenticeship sponsor shall fully cooperate in providing statistical information requested by the board or, at the board's discretion, be excluded from participating in the Public Service Apprenticeship Program.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-163 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Rules and regulations]

The board shall adopt rules and regulations deemed necessary for the implementation and administration of this article, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, rules and regulations for:
(1)
Establishing a staff review and application approval process;
(2)
Application scoring criteria that shall prioritize apprenticeship programs that hire and train apprentices:
(A)
Who are enrolled in or have completed a high school career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) public administration pathway program; or
(B)
In state and local government skilled trade fields;
(3)
The minimum score necessary for approval of a contract; and
(4)
The terms of agreement between a public service sponsor and the board.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-164 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Acceptance of grants of money, materials, services, or property]

To assist in carrying out this article, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia is authorized to accept grants of money, materials, services, or property of any kind from a federal agency, private agency, corporation, or individual.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 4 - VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND ADULT EDUCATION (§§ 20-4-1 — 20-4-165) › Article 8 - [PUBLIC SERVICE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM] (§§ 20-4-160 — 20-4-165) › Section 20-4-165 - [Repealed effective 7/1/2027] [Repealer]

This article shall stand repealed on July 1, 2027.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 560,§ 2-1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 1 - STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-5) › Section 20-5-1 - State policy

It is declared to be the policy of the state, as a part of the provisions for public education, to promote the establishment of public library service throughout the state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 1 - STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-5) › Section 20-5-1.1 - Board of regents defined

As used in this article, the term "board of regents" means the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 1 - STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-5) › Section 20-5-3 - Disbursement of funds

In order to effectuate the purposes of this article there shall be made available to the board of regents whatever funds may be duly allocated to it by the proper authority, either by specific appropriation or otherwise as now provided by law, and the board of regents shall be authorized to disburse such funds to public libraries serving persons of all ages through legally constituted municipal library boards or to the other legally constituted local library boards as may now or hereafter be established by law. The board of regents shall use such funds for the purpose of aiding and supplementing the establishment and development of public library services.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 1 - STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-5) › Section 20-5-4 - Annual reports by public libraries

All public libraries in the state shall submit reports annually to the board of regents.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 1 - CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-24) › Section 20-5-20 - Power of city to tax and appropriate for library purposes; election of trustees to control library funds

Any city, through its properly constituted municipal authorities, may raise by taxation from year to year and permanently appropriate money for the purpose of establishing, erecting, maintaining, or assisting in maintaining a public library. Any such sum or sums of money so appropriated shall be expended by and under the direction of a board of trustees of such public library elected by the city council of such city.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 1 - CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-24) › Section 20-5-21 - Disbursement of library appropriations; annual reports by trustees

In any city in which an appropriation shall be made under this part, the money so appropriated shall be drawn from the treasury of such city on the warrant of the board of trustees of the public library and shall be paid out from time to time for salaries, purchase of books, and other necessary expenses of the library; and an itemized statement of the amounts so paid out shall be made annually to the mayor of such city and by him submitted to the properly constituted authorities of such city.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 1 - CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-24) › Section 20-5-22 - Acceptance of donations by trustees

The board of trustees of the public library of a city is authorized to accept and receive donations, either in money, land, or other property, for the purpose of erecting or assisting in the erection of suitable buildings for the use of such public library, for maintaining it, or for assisting in maintaining it.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 1 - CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-24) › Section 20-5-23 - Powers of trustees over library; librarian and assistant librarian or officers

The board of trustees of the public library of a city shall exercise a strict and rigid supervision over such public library; shall pass all necessary rules and regulations for the government and control of it; and shall elect a librarian and, if necessary, an assistant librarian or designate some officer or officers to perform the duties of librarian or assistant librarian and appoint and discharge such officer or officers at pleasure.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 1 - CITY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-24) › Section 20-5-24 - City may bind itself to accept donation and make annual payments for library

The municipal government of any city in which an appropriation shall be made under this part shall have authority to enter into a legal and binding agreement to accept and receive any donation offered by any person or persons, and any such agreement shall be legal and binding upon the municipal government and its successors. Any agreements by the municipal government of a city to pay any sum or sums of money annually for the use of the public library shall be legal and binding on the city. Any ordinance or ordinances carrying such agreement into effect shall have the force and effect of law and be binding on the city during the time mentioned in the agreement and the ordinance.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-40 - Power of local governments to establish public libraries; procedures for establishment

(a)
The governing authority of any county or municipality may establish a public library system. Any public library established pursuant to this part shall be a tax-exempt institution.
(b)
A public library may be established in the following manner:
(1)
By resolution or act, at the discretion of the governing authority, of any county or municipality, or any combination thereof;
(2)
By approval of the voters of any county or municipality in a referendum election on the question of the establishment of a public library as provided in this paragraph. Upon a written petition containing 35 percent of the registered and qualified voters of a municipality or county being filed with the appropriate governing authority, the governing authority shall be required to hold and conduct a special referendum election for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the municipality or county the question of whether or not a public library, as provided for in this part, shall be authorized. In the event a majority of the persons voting in the election vote in favor of the public library, then the governing authority of the municipality or county shall establish a public library as provided in this part. Otherwise, the governing authority shall have no authority to do so. Following the expiration of two years after any election is held which results in disapproval of a public library, as provided in this part, another election on this question shall be held if another petition, as provided in this paragraph, is filed with the appropriate governing authority; or
(3)
By contractual agreement between the governing authorities of any county or municipality.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-41 - Establishment of boards of trustees to govern libraries

Each library system shall be governed by a board of trustees. Each system shall have a governing board of trustees but may have other affiliated boards of trustees for member libraries. The county board of library trustees shall exercise authority in a county system. The regional board of library trustees shall exercise authority in a multicounty system.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-42 - Membership of boards of trustees

(a)
A county board of trustees shall consist of at least one appointee from each governmental agency financially supporting the library on a regular basis. Appointments shall be made in writing pursuant to the constitution and bylaws of the library system, shall be transmitted to the appointee and to the library, and shall state the length of term and expiration date of the appointment.
(b)
A regional board of library trustees shall consist of trustees serving on member county boards who are appointed to the regional board by each county board for a term specified in writing pursuant to the constitution and bylaws of the library system.
(c)
Board members shall serve staggered terms for continuity of service.
(d)
Board members shall be removed for cause or for failure to attend three consecutive meetings pursuant to the library system's constitution and bylaws or the local constitution and bylaws.
(e)
Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as appointments are made. If a vacancy occurs prior to the expiration of a trustee's term, the new appointee shall complete the unexpired term.
(f)
Members of the governing authority of any county, municipality, or governmental agency financially supporting the library shall be eligible for appointment and service as members or as ex officio members of the board of trustees of any library or library system. No such governing authority shall appoint a majority of its members to the board of trustees of any library or library system nor shall a majority of the board of trustees of any library or library system consist of members of the governing authority of any single county, municipality, or governmental agency.
(g)
Public library system boards of trustees may provide for ex officio board membership in the system constitution and bylaws.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-43 - Duties and responsibilities of boards of trustees

The board of trustees shall have duties and responsibilities which include but are not limited to the following:
(1)
To employ a library director who meets state certification requirements and such other employees as necessary upon the recommendation of the library system director; provided, however, that the board shall be authorized to delegate employment of staff members to the library system director;
(2)
To approve budgets prepared by the library system director and assume responsibility for the presentation of the library's fiscal needs to the supporting agencies;
(3)
To attend board meetings;
(4)
To establish policies governing library programs, including rules and regulations governing the use of the library;
(5)
To set policy for the administration of gifts of money and property;
(6)
To present financial and progress reports to governing officials and to the public;
(7)
To notify the appropriate authorities of a vacancy on the board so that a person may be appointed to complete unexpired or full terms; and
(8)
To notify the library system director, in advance, of all meetings of library boards and board committees.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-44 - Compensation of trustees

Members of the board of trustees shall receive no compensation; provided, however, that such members may be reimbursed for any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of library business or if stipulated in terms of any bequest or gift. Dues or fees for membership in local, state, regional, and national library associations may be paid from operating funds in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the library system.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-45 - Directors of library systems; duties and responsibilities

Every public library system shall have a director. Any person appointed as director of a public library system must hold at least a Grade 5(b) Librarian's Professional Graduate Certificate, as defined by the State Board for the Certification of Librarians; provided, however, that any person who was serving as acting director of a public library system as of July 1, 1984, shall be authorized to continue to serve as director. The director shall be appointed by the board of trustees and shall be the administrative head of the library system under the direction and review of the board. The director of a library system shall have duties and responsibilities which include but are not limited to the following:
(1)
To recommend for employment or termination other staff members, as necessary, in compliance with applicable laws and the availability of funds and to employ or terminate other staff members if so authorized by the library board;
(2)
To attend all meetings called by the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or send a substitute authorized by the office director;
(3)
To prepare any local, state, or federal annual budgets;
(4)
To notify the board of trustees and the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia of any failure to comply with:
(A)
Policies of the board;
(B)
Criteria for state aid;
(C)
State and federal rules and regulations; and
(D)
All applicable local, state, or federal laws;
(5)
To administer the total library program, including all affiliated libraries, in accordance with policies adopted by the system board of trustees; and
(6)
To attend all meetings of the system board of trustees and affiliated boards of trustees or to designate a person to attend in his or her place.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 2, § 20, eff. 2/12/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-46 - Reports of the library system

The library system shall make such reports as deemed necessary by local and state funding agencies. In every case at least an annual report of activities, income, and expenditures shall be filed with each funding agency.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-47 - Written constitution

(a)
The board of trustees of each county and regional library shall have a written constitution and bylaws stating policy which shall be approved by the board. Such constitution and bylaws shall be drafted in accordance with the current edition of the
Handbook on Constitutions, By-laws and Contracts for Georgia Public Libraries.
(b)
Policies stated in the constitution of the county board may not be in conflict with the policies of the constitution of the regional board and state and federal laws and regulations. The constitution of the regional board shall not be in conflict with state and federal laws and regulations.
(c)
All current constitutions and bylaws must be on file in the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and all amendments must be filed with the office immediately upon adoption.
Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 2, § 20, eff. 2/12/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-48 - Ownership of library property

(a)
A clear title in fee simple to an approved site on which a library facility is to be located shall be held by either the library board of trustees or the county or municipality. Title to property used for library purposes shall be vested in the library board of trustees or in that local agency which makes the major financial contribution toward construction costs. Notwithstanding any provision in this part to the contrary, any facility, the title to which currently is held by a nonprofit organization and which is now being operated by a public library board of trustees, may continue to be operated by that library board of trustees if the operation of that facility by the board of trustees meets the standards of the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; and the title to that facility may remain in the hands of that nonprofit organization. When the composition of a library system is changed or when the library system is dissolved and the title is vested in the library board of trustees, the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia shall serve as mediator in determining ownership of property.
(b)
Other property including, but not limited to, equipment and materials that were purchased with state, federal, or contract funds coming through the system budget shall be owned by the system board of trustees and shall be placed or transferred where it is most useful. Upon dissolution or significant structural change within the system, such property shall be divided on a pro rata basis according to the proportion of financial costs of property borne by the involved parties. The library system board of trustees shall furnish the financial and statistical information considered by the parties attempting to reach agreement. If the parties are unable to reach a mutually agreeable solution, the final decision of property ownership shall be made by the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or its designee.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-49 - Authorization of library systems to enter into contracts

Library systems are authorized to make and enter into such contracts or agreements as are deemed necessary and desirable. All such contracts or agreements entered into shall:
(1)
Detail the specific nature of the services, programs, facilities, arrangements, or properties to which such contracts or agreements are applicable;
(2)
Provide for the allocation of costs and other financial responsibilities;
(3)
Specify the respective rights, duties, obligations, and liabilities of the parties; and
(4)
Set forth the terms and conditions for duration, renewal, termination, abrogation, disposal of joint or common property, if any, and all other matters which may be appropriated to the proper effectuation and performance of the agreement.
No public or private library agency shall enter into any agreement itself, or jointly with any other library agency, to exercise any power or engage in any action prohibited by the Constitution or laws of this state.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-50 - Requirement of finance bond

Each library board which handles finances must keep a current bond for an adequate amount determined by the board of trustees and recorded in the minutes on the library director, the treasurer of the board of trustees, or other officials and employees authorized to handle funds. Proof of the bond for each board must be filed with the Renewal Application for State Aid.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-51 - Dissolution of or withdrawal from a library system

(a)
A library system shall be dissolved by a reversal of procedures followed in its original organization. A majority of the board members in a majority of the counties must agree to the dissolution of the system. One county in a multicounty system may withdraw by a reversal of the procedure by which the county became a member.
(b)
If the local constitution and bylaws or participating agreement does not specify a notification period for withdrawal, the proper notice shall be sent six months prior to the end of the state fiscal year. This notice must include reasons for the withdrawal and the method by which the decision was reached and must be sent to the chairman of the system board of trustees and the system library director. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia must be notified of the receipt of this letter of intent within five working days.
(c)
Upon dissolution or withdrawal, no further state or federal grant funds shall be paid for or to the dissolving or withdrawing unit or units until such time as the unit or units reestablish the library or libraries pursuant to this part and meet eligibility requirements for such grant funds.
(d)
A multicounty regional system may elect to expel a member county upon the following conditions:
(1)
Failure of the county to maintain the agreed level of support to the regional system as in the most recent system-participating agreement; or
(2)
Failure of the county to meet criteria which may jeopardize the system's eligibility for state or federal funds.
(e)
If the system's constitution and bylaws or participating agreement fails to describe a notice period for expulsion, the proper notice shall be sent not less than six months prior to the end of the state fiscal year. This notice must be sent to the chairperson of the county board of trustees, all funding agencies party to the participating agreement, the system library director, and the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
(f)
Upon total dissolution of a library system, all property shall be disposed of as provided in this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-52 - Prohibition of theft or damage of library property

Any person who shall steal or unlawfully take or willfully or maliciously write upon, cut, tear, deface, disfigure, soil, obliterate, break, or destroy or who shall sell or buy or receive, knowing it to have been stolen, any book, pamphlet, document, newspaper, periodical, map, chart, picture, portrait, engraving, statue, coin, medal, equipment, specimen, recording, video product, microform, computer software, film, or other work of literature or object of art or the equipment necessary to its display or use belonging to or in the care of a public library shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-53 - Procedures following failure of library patron to return borrowed property

Any person who borrows from any public library any book, newspaper, magazine, manuscript, pamphlet, publication, recording, video product, microform, computer software, film, or other article or equipment necessary to its display or use belonging to or in the care of such public library under any agreement to return it and thereafter fails to return such book, newspaper, magazine, manuscript, pamphlet, publication, recording, video product, microform, computer software, film, or other article or equipment necessary to its display or use shall be given written notice, mailed to his last known address or delivered in person, to return such article or equipment within 15 days after the date of such notification. Such notice shall contain a copy of this Code section. If such person shall thereafter willfully and knowingly fail to return such article or equipment within 15 days, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days and shall be required to return such article or equipment or provide reimbursement for the replacement cost of such article or equipment.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-54 - Prohibition of concealing or removing library property

Any person who, without authority and with the intention of depriving the public library of the ownership of such property, willfully conceals a book or other public library property, while still on the premises of such public library, or willfully or without authority removes any book or other property from any public library shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, that, if the replacement cost of the public library property is less than $25.00, the punishment shall be a fine of not more than $250.00. Proof of the willful concealment of any book or other public library property while still on the premises of such public library shall be prima-facie evidence of intent to violate this Code section.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-55 - Immunity of library agents and employees from civil actions arising from part

An agent or employee of a public library or of any department or office of the state or local government causing the arrest of any person pursuant to the provisions of this part shall not be held civilly liable for unlawful detention, slander, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, false arrest, or assault and battery of the person so arrested unless excessive or unreasonable force is used, whether such arrest takes place on the premises by such agent or employee; provided, however, that, in causing the arrest of such person, the public library or agent or employee of the public library had at the time of such arrest probable cause to believe that the person committed willful theft or concealment of books or other library property.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-56 - Requirement of certification of librarians

All persons holding professional positions with the title of librarian must be certified by the State Board for the Certification of Librarians.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 5 - LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-1 — 20-5-65) › Article 2 - LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-20 — 20-5-59) › Part 2 - COUNTY AND REGIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES (§§ 20-5-40 — 20-5-59) › Section 20-5-57 - Penalty

Any failure to comply with the provisions of this part shall result in the forfeiture of all state and federal library aid to the system.