23 LC 39 3892S
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The Senate Committee on Public Safety offered the following
substitute to HB 119:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 1 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
general provisions relative to property, so as to prohibit the placement of an instrument2
designed to restrict movement of a vehicle upon a vehicle by any person other than an owner3
or authorized operator thereof; to provide for a cause of action; to provide for applicability;4
to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and5
for other purposes.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7
SECTION 1.8
Chapter 1 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general9
provisions relative to property, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:10
"44-1-13.1.11
(a) It shall be unlawful and punishable by a fine of $1,000.00 for any person other than an12
owner or authorized operator of a vehicle to install or attach an immobilization device,13
boot, or other instrument that is designed or intended to restrict the normal movement of14
such vehicle.15 23 LC 39 3892S
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(b) Any person who suffers injury or damages as a result of a violation of this Code16
section may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for actual damages,17
which shall be presumed to be not less than $100.00, together with court costs. A court18
shall award three times actual damages for an intentional violation of this Code section.19
(c) The provisions of this Code section shall not apply to the removal of a vehicle from20
property by a storage or towing firm in accordance with Code Section 44-1-13."21
SECTION 2.22
This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2024.23
SECTION 3.24
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.25