25 LC 39 4444
Senate Bill 153
By: Senators Hatchett of the 50th, Kennedy of the 18th, Jones II of the 22nd, Cowsert of the
46th, Parent of the 44th and others
AS PASSED SENATE
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, so as to revise, modernize, correct errors
1
or omissions in, and reenact the statutory portion of said Code, as amended, in furtherance2
of the work of the Code Revision Commission; to repeal portions of said Code, or Acts in3
amendment thereof, which have become obsolete, have been declared to be unconstitutional,4
or have been preempted or superseded by subsequent laws; to codify principles of law5
derived from decisions of the state Supreme Court; to provide for other matters relating to6
revision, reenactment, and publication of said Code; to provide for effect in event of7
conflicts; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.8
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:9
SECTION 1.10
Reserved.11
SECTION 2.12
Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to agriculture, is amended in:13
S. B. 153
- 1 - 25 LC 39 4444
(1) Code Section 2-10-57, relating to authority of Commissioner to provide for safety and
14
security at farmers' markets and police powers, in the introductory language of15
subparagraph (b)(1)(F), by replacing the semicolon with a colon.16
SECTION 3.17
Reserved.18
SECTION 4.19
Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to animals, is amended in:20
(1) Code Section 4-11-3, relating to licenses for pet dealers and kennel, stable, or animal21
shelter operators, requirement, issuance, and application, in paragraph (c.1)(4), by deleting22
"and reserved".23
SECTION 5.24
Reserved.25
SECTION 6.26
Reserved.27
SECTION 7.28
Title 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to banking and finance, is29
amended in:30
(1) Code Section 7-1-612, which is reserved, by designating said Code section as repealed.31
(2) Code Section 7-1-689, relating to record keeping, investigation and examination32
requirements and powers, and limitations on civil liability, in the introductory language of33
subsection (l), by replacing "website," with "public website," and in paragraph (l)(1), by34
replacing "and telephone, facsimile," with "telephone number, facsimile number,".35
S. B. 153
- 2 - 25 LC 39 4444
(3) Code Section 7-1-706, relating to record keeping, investigation and examination
36
requirements and powers, and limitation on civil liability, in the introductory language of37
subsection (l), by replacing "website," with "public website," and in paragraph (l)(1), by38
replacing "and telephone, facsimile," with "telephone number, facsimile number,".39
(4) Code Section 7-1-1009, relating to record keeping, investigations and examinations, and40
exemptions from civil liability, in the introductory language of subsection (g), by replacing41
"website," with "public website," and in paragraph (g)(1), by replacing "and telephone," with42
"telephone number,".43
(5) Code Section 7-1-1011, relating to annual fees, in subsection (a), by replacing "mortgage44
broker," with "a mortgage broker,".45
(6) Code Section 7-1-1017, relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or mortgage46
broker education approval, notice, judicial review, and effect on preexisting contract, in47
subsection (b), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in" and by replacing "their"48
with "his or her".49
(7) Code Section 7-3-18, which is reserved, by designating said Code section as repealed.50
(8) Code Section 7-9-8, relating to the issuance of certificate of incorporation or certificate51
of organization, at the end of paragraph (3), by inserting a comma and in the undesignated52
text at the end of the Code section, by replacing "name of" with "the name of".53
(9) Code Section 7-9-11.8, relating to rights and remedies of shareholders, in subsection (a),54
by replacing "known as the 'Georgia Business Corporation Code' or" with "the 'Georgia55
Business Corporation Code,' or" and in paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "resulting acquirer"56
with "resulting merchant acquirer".57
SECTION 8.58
Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing, is59
amended in:60
S. B. 153
- 3 - 25 LC 39 4444
(1) Code Section 8-3-311, relating to creation of stable housing accountability programs,
61
application process, minimum standards, approval criteria, and funding, in the introductory62
language of subsection (d), by replacing "At minimum," with "At a minimum,", in63
subparagraph (d)(6)(A), by replacing "U.S." with "United States", in subparagraph (d)(6)(E),64
by replacing "heath" with "health", and in paragraph (e)(2), by replacing "their" with "his or65
her".66
(2) Code Section 8-3-312, relating to disbursements for operating expenses, by replacing67
"provided the commission" with "provided to the commission".68
SECTION 9.69
Reserved.70
SECTION 10.71
Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to commerce and trade, is72
amended in:73
(1) Code Section 10-1-427, relating to false advertising of legal services, good faith74
exemptions, investigation and enforcement by Attorney General, and penalties for violation75
of cease and desist order, in paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "Internet search engine ad," with76
"internet search engine advertisement,".77
(2) Code Section 10-1-782, relating to definitions regarding the "Georgia Lemon Law," in78
paragraph (23), by inserting "by" preceding "90,000".79
(3) Code Section 10-4-111, relating to meetings of advisory board, duties, fixing opening80
date of marketing season, and revocation of license for early sale, by repealing and reserving81
said Code section.82
(4) Article 7 of Chapter 6, which is reserved, by repealing said article.83
S. B. 153
- 4 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 11.
84
Reserved.85
SECTION 12.86
Reserved.87
SECTION 13.88
Reserved.89
SECTION 14.90
Reserved.91
SECTION 15.92
Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, is amended in:93
(1) Code Section 15-5B-12, as effective on July 1, 2026, relating to proceedings, filing94
procedures, service, and scheduling, in subsection (f), by replacing "address of the of the"95
with "address of the".96
(2) Code Section 15-10-101, relating to eligibility of constables, in paragraph (a)(4), by97
replacing "accredited high school diploma or general educational development (GED)" with98
"approved high school equivalency (HSE)".99
(3) Code Section 15-11-71, relating to juvenile treatment court divisions, in the introductory100
language of paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "increase likelihood" with "increase the101
likelihood" and in subsection (f), by replacing "may have the authority" with "shall be102
authorized".103
(4) Code Section 15-12-40.1, relating to state-wide master jury list, driver's license104
information, list of registered voters, and random list of persons to comprise venire, in105
subsection (b), by replacing "or personal identification card" with "or identification card"106
S. B. 153
- 5 - 25 LC 39 4444
each time the phrase appears and by replacing "or a personal identification card" with "or an
107
identification card".108
SECTION 16.109
Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, is110
amended in:111
(1) Code Section 16-5-3.1, relating to aggravated involuntary manslaughter for fentanyl112
overdose death, in paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "shall mean" with "means", in113
paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "shall include" with "includes", and in subsection (c), by114
replacing "10 years" with "ten years".115
(2) Code Section 16-5-20, relating to simple assault, in subsections (c) and (f), by replacing116
"For purposes of this Code section," with "As used in this Code section, the term", in the117
undesignated text at the end of subsection (h), by replacing "For the purposes of" with "As118
used in" and by replacing "homo sapiens" with "Homo sapiens", and in subsection (i), by119
replacing "their" with "his or her".120
(3) Code Section 16-5-21, relating to aggravated assault, in subsection (m), by replacing121
"their" with "his or her".122
(4) Code Section 16-5-23, relating to simple battery, in subsection (d), by replacing "For123
purposes of this Code section," with "As used in this Code section, the term", in124
subsection (i), by replacing "For purposes of this Code section, 'school property' shall125
include" with "As used in this Code section, the term 'school property' includes", and in126
subsection (j), by replacing "their" with "his or her".127
(5) Code Section 16-5-23.1, relating to battery, in subsection (g), by replacing "For purposes128
of this Code section," with "As used in this Code section, the term", in subsection (i), by129
replacing "For purposes of this Code section, 'school property' shall include" with "As used130
in this Code section, the term 'school property' includes", and in subsection (l), by replacing131
"their" with "his or her".132
S. B. 153
- 6 - 25 LC 39 4444
(6) Code Section 16-5-24, relating to aggravated battery, in subsection (i), by replacing
133
"their" with "his or her".134
(7) Code Section 16-7-21.1, relating to unlawful squatting, by revising said Code section as135
follows:136
"16-7-21.1.137
(a)(1) A person commits the offense of unlawful squatting when he or she enters upon138
the land or premises of another and resides on such land or premises for any period of139
time knowingly acting without the knowledge or consent of the owner, the
rightful140
occupant, or an authorized representative of the owner. As used in For purposes of this141
Code section, the term 'resides' means to inhabit or live on or within any land or premises.142
(2) Any person who commits or is accused of committing the offense of unlawful143
squatting as provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall receive a citation144
advising that they must he or she shall present to the head of the issuing law enforcement145
agency or their designee its designee, within three business days of receiving the citation146
for such alleged offense, properly executed documentation that authorizes the person's147
entry on such land or premises. Such documentation may include a properly executed148
lease or rental agreement or proof of rental payments.149
(3) If such person is unable to provide the documentation required by paragraph (2) of150
this subsection, such person shall be subject to arrest for unlawful squatting and, upon151
conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalty provided in subsection (b) of this Code152
section.153
(4) If such person does provide provides documentation that authorizes such person's154
entry on the land or premises, a hearing shall be set within seven days of the submission155
of such documentation, and, if the court of appropriate jurisdiction finds that the156
submitted documentation was not properly executed or is not meritorious, such person157
shall be subject to demand for possession and removal as provided in Code158
Section 44-11-32, be subject to arrest and upon conviction penalties as provided for in159
S. B. 153
- 7 - 25 LC 39 4444
Code Sections 16-9-1 and 16-9-2, and shall be assessed an additional fine based on the160
fair market monthly rental rate of the land or premises.161
(b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a162
misdemeanor which upon conviction shall be punishable punished as provided in Code163
Section 17-10-3."164
(8) Code Section 16-7-23, relating to criminal damage to property in the second degree, in165
paragraph (a)(2), by inserting a comma following "fireworks".166
(9) Code Section 16-11-171, relating to definitions regarding Brady Law regulations, in167
paragraph (4), by inserting "of Chapter 7" following "Article 6".168
(10) Code Section 16-13-71, relating to dangerous drugs, by revising numerous paragraphs169
in subsection (b), subparagraph (b)(59)(BB.5), and paragraph (c)(16.92) as follows:170
"(57.5) Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed vaccine adsorbed, Adjuvanted;"171
"(BB.5) House Dust Mite Allergen Extract dust mite allergen extract;"172
"(160.5) Chikungunya Vaccine vaccine, Live;"173
"(206.7) Coagulation Factor X, (human) Human;"174
"(247.4) Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine tetravalent vaccine, Live;"175
"(317.3) Dornase Alpha alpha;"176
"(328.3) Ebola Zaire Vaccine vaccine, Live;"177
"(361.5) Reserved;"178
"(383.15) Ferric Hexacyanoferrate hexacyanoferrate;"179
"(386.3) Reserved;"180
"(425) Gomenol Solution solution;"181
"(433.5) Halobetasol Propionate propionate;"182
"(446.2) Human Papillomavirus papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine vaccine, Recombinant;"183
"(509.7) Reserved;"184
"(512.691) Reserved;"185
"(529.93) Reserved;"186
S. B. 153
- 8 - 25 LC 39 4444
"(703.43) Reserved;"187
"(731.1) Reserved;"188
"(732.9) Reserved;"189
"(836.1) Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine syncytial virus vaccine;"190
"(851.02) Reserved;"191
"(855.5) Sermorelin Acetate acetate;"192
"(945.5) Reserved;"193
"(1025.8) Varicella Virus Vaccine Live virus vaccine, Live;"194
"(1037.23) Von von Willebrand factor;"195
"(1042.8) Zoledronic Acid acid;"196
"(1042.95) Zoster Vaccine Recombinant vaccine recombinant, Adjuvanted;"197
"(16.92) Any opioid antagonist, as defined in Code Section 26-4-116.2, shall also be198
exempt from subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section when used for drug overdose199
prevention and when supplied by a dispenser or an authorized wholesale distributor.;".200
(11) Code Section 16-13-122, relating to content of kratom and required labeling, in201
paragraph (b)(1), by deleting "of".202
SECTION 17.203
Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, is204
amended in:205
(1) Code Section 17-6-12, relating to unsecured judicial release, requirement, effect of206
failure of person charged to appear for trial, and consideration of criminal record, in207
subparagraph (a)(1)(GG), by replacing "Code Section 16-10-29;" with "Code208
Section 16-10-24;".209
(2) Code Section 17-10-7, relating to punishment of repeat offenders and punishment and210
eligibility for parole of persons convicted of fourth felony offense, in subsection (e), by211
replacing "recidivous" with "recidivist".212
S. B. 153
- 9 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 18.
213
Reserved.214
SECTION 19.215
Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, is216
amended in:217
(1) Code Section 19-6-9, relating to voluntary separation, abandonment, or driving off of218
spouse and equity may compel support, by deleting "and as may be".219
(2) Code Section 19-6-32, relating to entering income withholding order or medical support220
notice for award of child support, when order or notice effective, and hearing on order, in221
paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "means judge" with "means a judge" and in paragraph (a)(5),222
by replacing "42 U.S.C. Section 666(b)(A)(I) and (ii)" with "42 U.S.C.223
Section 666(b)(6)(A)(i) and (ii)".224
(3) Code Section 19-6-33, relating to notice and service of income withholding order,225
hearing on enforcement of order, discharge of obligor, and penalties, in paragraph (a)(2), by226
replacing "means judge" with "means a judge".227
(4) Code Section 19-6-33.1, relating to family support registry, in subparagraph (e)(2)(A),228
by replacing "arrears or" with "arrears, or".229
SECTION 20.230
Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, is amended in:231
(1) Code Section 20-2-37, which is reserved, by designating said Code section as repealed.232
(2) Code Section 20-2-38, which is reserved, by designating said Code section as repealed.233
(3) Code Section 20-2-167.1, relating to public meetings on proposed annual operating234
budget, notice, electronic copies, and exception for certain nonprofits, in paragraph (a)(2),235
by replacing "system and," with "system,".236
S. B. 153
- 10 - 25 LC 39 4444
(4) Code Section 20-2-751.4, as effective on July 1, 2025, relating to policies prohibiting
237
bullying and cyberbullying required, enforcement of policies including assignment to238
alternative school, notice, antibullying training programs and materials, limitation of liability,239
and noncompliance, by revising the introductory language of subparagraph (1)(A) as follows:240
"(1)(A) 'Bullying'
Bullying' ' means an act that is:"241
(5) Code Section 20-2-775, relating to automated external defibrillator required in high242
schools, requirements, and funding, in subparagraph (c)(7)(D), by deleting the comma243
following "leads".244
(6) Code Section 20-2-776.5, relating to opioid antagonists, possession, administration,245
obligations, and immunity from civil liability, at the end of subsection (g), by inserting a246
period following "known".247
(7) Article 1 of Chapter 3, relating to postsecondary education generally, by designating248
Code Section 20-3-1, relating to definitions, as Part 1.249
(8) Code Section 20-3-38, relating to agricultural extension work, in subsection (a), by250
replacing "U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C.".251
(9) Code Section 20-3-41.2, relating to surrender of materials to division for preservation,252
preparation of certified copies, ownership, operation, and management of electronic archival253
records, exemption for certain records under certain conditions, and "constitutional officer"254
defined, in subsections (a) through (c), by inserting "of the University System of Georgia"255
following "Division of Archives and History" each time the term appears.256
(10) Code Section 20-3-41.3, relating to study of historical documents and public displays257
of the Foundations of American Law and Government, in paragraph (a)(1), by inserting "of258
the University System of Georgia" following "Division of Archives and History".259
(11) Code Section 20-3-45, relating to Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council created,260
purpose, members, expenses, coordinator, officers, meetings, administrative assignment, and261
staff, in subsections (c) and (h), by replacing "the Division of Archives and History" with262
"the division".263
S. B. 153
- 11 - 25 LC 39 4444
(12) Code Section 20-3-45.1, relating to powers and duties of the Georgia Historical Records
264
Advisory Council, in paragraph (2), by replacing "the Division of Archives and History" with265
"the division".266
(13) Code Section 20-3-48, relating to short title, public forums designated, "free speech267
zones" prohibited, allowed restrictions, protected expressive activity, construction, required268
materials, and annual reporting, in paragraph (b)(5), by replacing "This term" with "Such269
term" and in subsection (i), by replacing "their websites," with "their public websites,".270
(14) Code Section 20-3-60, relating to when properties of university system may be sold,271
leased, or otherwise disposed of, effect of restrictions on use, and works of art, in272
subsection (a) and in the undesignated text at the end of paragraph (c)(2), by replacing273
"however, that" with "however, that," and in paragraph (c)(1), by replacing "The term 'work274
of art'" with "Such term" each time the phrase appears.275
(15) Code Section 20-3-66, relating to determination of in-state resident status of students276
for tuition or fees, in the undesignated text at the end of paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "the277
term 'student from a homeless situation'" with "such term".278
(16) Code Section 20-3-67, relating to powers of regents over system and institutions over279
students not limited by lowering age of majority, by replacing "the system" with "the280
university system".281
(17) Code Section 20-3-92, relating to definitions regarding postsecondary education, in282
paragraph (5), by replacing "The term" with "Such term" and by replacing "is recognized as283
a student organization" with "are recognized as student organizations".284
(18) Code Section 20-3-130, relating to short title regarding junior colleges and name of285
junior college system, by replacing "shall be known as" with "shall be known and may be286
cited as" each time the phrase appears.287
(19) Code Section 20-3-131, relating to definitions regarding junior colleges, in288
paragraph (2), by replacing "county school system, independent school system," with "local289
school system,".290
S. B. 153
- 12 - 25 LC 39 4444
(20) Code Section 20-3-132, relating to authority to establish and maintain junior colleges,
291
by replacing "county school system, independent school system," with "local school system,"292
each time the phrase appears.293
(21) Code Section 20-3-150, relating to short title regarding Georgia Education Authority294
(University), by replacing "may be cited" with "shall be known and may be cited".295
(22) Code Section 20-3-200, relating to short title regarding Private Colleges and296
Universities Authority, by replacing "may be cited as" with "shall be known and may be cited297
as".298
(23) Code Section 20-3-201, relating to definitions regarding Private Colleges and299
Universities Authority, in paragraph (4), by replacing "'Construction project' also means"300
with "Such term also means" and by replacing "The term 'construction project' also means"301
with "Such term also means", in paragraph (5), by replacing "the term 'cost,' as applied" with302
"such term, as applied", and in paragraph (6) and divisions (7)(A)(i), (7)(A)(ii), and303
(7)(A)(iv), by replacing "U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C.".304
(24) Code Section 20-3-231, relating to legislative findings and purpose of Georgia Student305
Finance Commission, in subsections (a) and (b), by deleting the internal catchlines.306
(25) Code Section 20-3-234, relating to functions and composition of board of307
commissioners, appointment, qualifications, and terms of commissioners, board officers,308
meetings, committees, compensation, and advisory councils, in subsections (a) through (h),309
by deleting the internal catchlines.310
(26) Code Section 20-3-235, relating to commission officers, employees, and support311
services, bonds, and legal services, in paragraphs (1) through (5), by deleting the internal312
catchlines.313
(27) Code Section 20-3-236, relating to powers and duties of commission, board of314
commissioners, and officers, confidentiality, and repayments and refunds, in315
paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "they" with "it" and by replacing "them" with "the board of316
commissioners" and in paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "e-mail" with "email".317
S. B. 153
- 13 - 25 LC 39 4444
(28) Code Section 20-3-242, relating to web based counseling and resources for students,
318
in paragraph (1), by replacing "web based" with "internet based" and in paragraph (2), by319
replacing "a web based" with "an internet based".320
(29) Code Section 20-3-250.2, relating to definitions regarding nonpublic postsecondary321
educational institutions, in paragraph (11.1), by replacing "however, that" with "however,322
that,".323
(30) Code Section 20-3-250.3, relating to educational institutions exempted from application324
of part, in the undesignated text at the end of subparagraph (a)(13)(B), by replacing "however325
that" with "however, that" and in paragraph (a)(14), by replacing "associate" with326
"associate's".327
(31) Code Section 20-3-250.6, relating to minimum standards for educational institutions,328
in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "catalog" with "catalogue".329
(32) Code Section 20-3-250.8, relating to application to operate or conduct postsecondary330
activities, in subsection (a), by replacing "catalog" with "catalogue" and by replacing331
"however, that" with "however, that," and in subsection (b), by replacing "catalogs," with332
"catalogues,".333
(33) Code Section 20-3-311, relating to legislative findings and purposes of authority, in334
subsection (a), by deleting the internal catchline.335
(34) Code Section 20-3-313, relating to authority created as successor to Georgia Higher336
Education Assistance Authority and abolishment of Georgia Higher Education Assistance337
Corporation, in the introductory language of subsection (c), by replacing "however:" with338
"however, that:", in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2), by replacing "That educational" with339
"Educational", and in paragraph (c)(3), by replacing "That all" with "All".340
(35) Code Section 20-3-314, relating to functions, composition, organization, and conduct341
of affairs of board of directors, in subsection (a), by deleting the internal catchline, in the342
introductory language of subsection (b), by deleting the internal catchline and by replacing343
"however:" with "however, that:", in paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "That nothing" with344
S. B. 153
- 14 - 25 LC 39 4444
"Nothing", in paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "That no" with "No", and in paragraph (b)(3),
345
by replacing "That the" with "The".346
(36) Code Section 20-3-316, relating to powers and duties of authority, employees'347
functions, servicing of educational loans, registration with Selective Service System, and348
confidentiality, in paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "e-mail" with "email".349
(37) Code Section 20-3-329, relating to employees of commission transferred to authority,350
status of authority employees hired after July 1, 1996, status of transferred employees, and351
benefits of transferred employees not impaired, in subsection (c), by replacing "however,352
that" with "however, that,".353
(38) Code Section 20-3-373, relating to general loan fund, in the undesignated text at the end354
of subsection (a), by replacing "fund to make" with "fund provided for in subsection (a) of355
this Code section to make" and by redesignating such undesignated text as new356
subsection (b) and by redesignating current subsection (b) as new subsection (c).357
(39) Code Section 20-3-374, relating to service cancelable loan fund and authorized types358
of service cancelable educational loans, in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4), by deleting the359
internal catchlines.360
(40) Code Section 20-3-386, relating to distribution of education loan repayment assistance361
and conditions, in subsection (d), by replacing "U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C.".362
(41) Code Section 20-3-395, relating to definitions regarding direct loans to students on363
basis of need and merit, in subparagraphs (3)(A), (3)(B), and (3)(C), by replacing "associate"364
with "associate's" and in paragraph (6), by replacing "U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C.".365
(42) Code Section 20-3-400.1, relating to definitions regarding graduate on time student366
loans, in paragraph (1) and subparagraphs (4)(A) and (4)(B), by replacing "associate" with367
"associate's".368
(43) Code Section 20-3-405.1, relating to definitions regarding Education for Public Service369
Student Loan, in subparagraphs (4)(A) and (4)(B), by replacing "associate degrees" with370
"associate's degrees".371
S. B. 153
- 15 - 25 LC 39 4444
(44) Code Section 20-3-405.2, relating to eligibility, repayment period, maximum amount,
372
application, and statement of requirements, in subsection (c), by replacing "associate degree,"373
with "associate's degree,".374
(45) Code Section 20-3-431, relating to "eligible student" defined, in the introductory375
language, by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".376
(46) Code Section 20-3-441, relating to "eligible student" defined, in the introductory377
language, by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".378
(47) Code Section 20-3-499, relating to selection of REACH scholars, in379
division (a)(1)(B)(i), by replacing "SNAP (Food Stamp)" with "Supplemental Nutrition380
Assistance Program (SNAP)" and in division (a)(1)(B)(ii), by replacing "TANF" with381
"Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)".382
(48) Code Section 20-3-519, relating to definitions regarding HOPE scholarships and grants,383
in the undesignated text at the end of subparagraph (6)(A), by replacing "however, that" with384
"however, that," and in paragraph (25), by replacing "U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C.".385
(49) Code Section 20-3-519.2, relating to eligibility requirements for a HOPE scholarship386
and award amount, in the introductory language of subsection (a) and in the introductory387
language of subsection (b), by replacing "associate" with "associate's" and in388
paragraph (d)(3), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that," each time the phrase389
appears.390
(50) Code Section 20-3-519.5, relating to eligibility requirements for a HOPE grant and391
award amount, in the introductory language of subsection (a.1) and the undesignated text at392
the end of subsection (a.1), by replacing "associate degree" with "associate's degree".393
(51) Code Section 20-3-564, relating to authorization to dispose of property, by replacing394
"however, that" with "however, that,".395
(52) Code Section 20-3-633, relating to creation, board of directors, and assignment to396
Department of Administrative Services, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Chancellor" with397
"chancellor".398
S. B. 153
- 16 - 25 LC 39 4444
(53) Code Section 20-3-642, relating to records not open to public inspection and duration,
399
in paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "clearing house" with "clearing-house".400
(54) Article 13 of Chapter 3, relating to compensation of intercollegiate athletes, by401
repealing said article.402
(55) Code Section 20-4-1, relating to acceptance of federal act regarding vocational403
education, by replacing "(20 U.S.C.A. Section 11, et seq.; c. 114, Section 1, 39 Stat. 929),"404
with "(20 U.S.C. Section 11, et seq.; 39 Stat. 929),".405
(56) Code Section 20-4-4, relating to employing teachers under federal act, by replacing "(20406
U.S.C.A. Section 11, et seq.; c. 114, Section 1, 39 Stat. 929)," with "(20 U.S.C. Section 11,407
et seq.; 39 Stat. 929),".408
(57) Code Section 20-4-10, relating to the State Board of the Technical College System of409
Georgia established, members, and officers, in subsection (a), by replacing "however, in"410
with "provided, however, that, in".411
(58) Code Section 20-4-11, relating to powers of the State Board of the Technical College412
System of Georgia, at the end of division (3)(C)(ii), by replacing the period with a semicolon.413
(59) Code Section 20-4-11.1, relating to public forums designated, "free speech zones"414
prohibited, allowed restrictions, protected expressive activity, construction, required415
materials, and annual reporting, in paragraph (a)(5), by replacing "This term" with "Such416
term" and in subsection (h), by replacing "websites," with "public websites,".417
(60) Code Section 20-4-15, relating to establishment of adult literacy programs, eligibility,418
and office of adult literacy, in the introductory language of subsection (d), by replacing419
"who:" with "who are:", in paragraph (d)(1), by replacing "Are high" with "High", and in420
paragraph (d)(2), by replacing "Are at" with "At".421
(61) Code Section 20-4-17, relating to agencies to receive federal funds and transfer of422
personnel to Department of Technical and Adult Education, now known as Technical423
College System of Georgia, in subsection (a), by replacing "further," with "further, that".424
S. B. 153
- 17 - 25 LC 39 4444
(62) Code Section 20-4-41, relating to extent and nature of training to be offered, by
425
replacing "however, no" with "however, that no".426
(63) Article 5 of Chapter 4, relating to the Georgia Joint Defense Commission, by replacing427
"commissioner of the Department of Economic Development" with "commissioner of428
economic development" each time the phrase appears in:429
(A) Code Section 20-4-120, relating to the creation of commission and membership;430
(B) Code Section 20-4-131, relating to administration of grant program and purpose;431
(C) Code Section 20-4-132, relating to awarding of grants;432
(D) Code Section 20-4-133, relating to grant application requirements; and433
(E) Code Section 20-4-134, relating to rules and regulations.434
(64) Code Section 20-4-141, relating to establishment of pilot program, awarding of high435
school diploma to successful participants, skills and knowledge, eligibility for participation,436
and regulation, in paragraph (a)(1) and subparagraph (f)(3)(A), by replacing "associate437
degree" with "associate's degree" and in divisions (e)(4)(A)(iii) and (e)(4)(B)(ii), by replacing438
"U.S.C.A." with "U.S.C." each time the term appears.439
(65) Code Section 20-4-151, relating to purpose, employer partnerships, required440
information, contracts, awards, and limitations, in paragraph (d)(1), by replacing441
"$10,000.00" with "Ten thousand dollars", in paragraph (d)(2), by replacing "$5,000.00" with442
"Five thousand dollars", and in paragraph (e)(2), by deleting "the" preceding "Fiscal Year443
2025".444
(66) Code Section 20-4-153, relating to annual reporting and cooperation from445
apprenticeship sponsor, in the introductory language of subsection (a), by inserting "public"446
preceding "website".447
(67) Code Section 20-5-2, relating to powers and duties of the board of regents and director448
of University of Georgia Libraries, abolition of State Library Commission and transfer of449
functions, reports of state publications, and electronic submission, in subsection (e), by450
replacing "For purposes of this article, 'public documents' shall mean" with "As used in this451
S. B. 153
- 18 - 25 LC 39 4444
Code section, the term 'public documents' means" and in subsection (k), by replacing
452
"Division of Archives and History," with "Division of Archives and History of the University453
System of Georgia,".454
(68) Code Section 20-5-5, relating to internet safety policies in public libraries, in455
paragraphs (a)(1) and (h)(1), by replacing "Internet" with "internet".456
(69) Code Section 20-8-1, relating to definitions regarding campus policemen, in457
paragraph (1), by replacing "The term 'campus'" with "Such term".458
(70) Code Section 20-12-1, relating to definitions regarding marine resources extension459
centers and institute for oceanographic studies, in paragraph (3), by deleting "as defined in460
paragraph (2) of this Code section".461
(71) Code Section 20-14-27, relating to required reports and publication format, in462
subsection (b), by inserting "public" preceding "website".463
(72) Code Section 20-14-33, relating to indicators of quality of learning in individual464
schools and school systems, comparison to state standards, rating schools and school465
systems, providing information, and uniform definition of "dropout" and "below grade level,"466
in paragraph (c)(3), by inserting "public" preceding "website".467
(73) Code Section 20-14-49.11, relating to financial information available on websites, in468
the introductory language of subsections (a) and (b) and in paragraphs (c)(5), (d)(1), and469
(d)(2), by inserting "public" preceding "website", in the introductory language of470
subsection (c), by replacing "a website" with "a public website", by replacing "on its website"471
with "on such website", and by inserting "public" preceding "website:", and in the472
introductory language of subsection (d), by replacing "a website" with "a public website" and473
by replacing "on its website" with "on such website".474
(74) Code Section 20-14-49.12, relating to rules and regulations and deadline for publication475
of information required by Code Section 20-14-49.11, in subsection (b), by inserting "public"476
preceding "website".477
S. B. 153
- 19 - 25 LC 39 4444
(75) Code Section 20-14-49.13, relating to reporting of percentage of students with each
478
state funded characteristic included in Code Section 20-2-161, online sortable database,479
underlying fiscal data for financial efficiency ratings, and inter-agency cooperation, in480
subsection (d), by inserting "public" preceding "website".481
(76) Code Section 20-14-96, relating to accrediting agencies, standards, applicability, and482
construction, in paragraph (e)(2), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".483
(77) Code Section 20-17-2, relating to provisions of The Interstate Compact on Educational484
Opportunity for Military Children, in Section A of Article II and in Section A(1) of Article485
III, by replacing "10 U.S.C. Sections 1209 and 1211" with "10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and486
1211".487
SECTION 21.488
Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elections, is amended in:489
(1) Code Section 21-2-217, relating to rules for determining residence, by revising490
subparagraph (a)(2)(B) and subsection (b) as follows:491
"(B) If a person returns to his or her original or new residence after voting or492
registering to vote in a different or separate jurisdiction, such person shall update their
493
his or her voter registration with their his or her current residency jurisdiction in order494
to be deemed a valid registered elector and resident of such jurisdiction for voting495
purposes; and"496
"(b) In determining a voter's qualification to register and vote, the registrars to whom such497
application is made shall consider, in addition to the applicant's expressed intent, any498
relevant circumstances determining the applicant's residence. The registrars taking such499
registration may consider the applicant's financial independence,; business pursuits,;500
employment,; income sources,; residence for income tax purposes,; age,; marital status,;501
residence of parents, spouse, and children, if any,; leaseholds,; sites of personal and real502
property owned by the applicant,; motor vehicle and other personal property registration,;503
S. B. 153
- 20 - 25 LC 39 4444
National Change of Address program information sponsored by the United States Postal
504
Service,
; and other such factors that the registrars may reasonably deem necessary to505
determine the qualification of an applicant to vote in a primary or election. The decision506
of the registrars to whom such application is made shall be presumptive evidence of a507
person's residence for voting purposes."508
SECTION 22.509
Reserved.510
SECTION 23.511
Reserved.512
SECTION 24.513
Reserved.514
SECTION 25.515
Reserved.516
SECTION 26.517
Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to food, drugs, and cosmetics,518
is amended in:519
(1) Code Section 26-4-116.1, relating to licensed health practitioners authorized to prescribe520
auto-injectable epinephrine for schools and pharmacists authorized to fill prescriptions, in521
subsection (b), by replacing "Code Section 31-1-14" with "Code Section 31-1-15".522
SECTION 27.523
Reserved.524
S. B. 153
- 21 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 28.
525
Reserved.526
SECTION 29.527
Title 29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to guardian and ward, is528
amended in:529
(1) Code Section 29-5-3, relating to order of preference in selecting conservator, nomination530
of individual to serve as conservator, and requirements of nomination, in paragraph (b)(4),531
by replacing "(c)" with "(d)".532
SECTION 30.533
Reserved.534
SECTION 31.535
Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, is amended in:536
(1) Code Section 31-1-6, relating to reuse of heart pacemakers, in subsection (b), by deleting537
", as defined in subsection (a) of this Code section,".538
(2) Code Section 31-1-8, relating to notice of proposed special facility, in the introductory539
language of subsection (a), by replacing "For the purposes of" with "As used in", in540
paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "drug users as defined in paragraph (11) of" with "drug541
abusers as defined in", and in paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "provided such" with "provided542
that such".543
(3) Code Section 31-1-9, relating to breast-feeding of baby, by replacing "breast-feeding"544
with "breastfeeding" and by replacing "breast-feed" with "breastfeed".545
(4) Code Section 31-1-19, relating to prohibition on expenditure or use of state resources to546
advocate for or intend to influence citizens in support of Medicaid expansion under the547
federal Affordable Care Act, in subsection (a), by replacing "Public Law" with "P.L.".548
S. B. 153
- 22 - 25 LC 39 4444
(5) Code Section 31-1-24, relating to organ transplant protections for individuals with
549
disabilities and civil relief for violations, in division (a)(2)(C)(ii), by inserting a comma550
following "Section 1320d" and by replacing "such Act" with "such act".551
(6) Code Section 31-2-4, relating to department's powers, duties, functions, and552
responsibilities, divisions, directors, and contracts for health benefits, in553
subparagraph (a)(1)(A), by replacing "State of Georgia, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al.,"554
with "State of Georgia, et al. v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al.," and in the introductory language555
of subparagraph (d)(10)(B) and in subparagraph (d)(11)(B), by replacing "For purposes of"556
with "As used in".557
(7) Code Section 31-2-8, relating to actions against certain applicants or licensees, in558
subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in", by replacing "shall be used559
to refer to" with "means", and by replacing "provisions of the law" with "provisions of law"560
and in subparagraph (c)(6)(B), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".561
(8) Code Section 31-2-17, which is repealed, by designating said Code section as reserved.562
(9) Code Section 31-2-18, relating to website reporting on state health plans, in563
paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Medical" with "The medical", in paragraph (a)(2), by564
replacing "PeachCare" with "The PeachCare", in the introductory language of subsection (b),565
by replacing "department website" with "department's public website", and in566
paragraph (b)(3), by replacing "non-emergent" with "nonemergent".567
(10) Code Section 31-2A-12, relating to the Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant568
Health and composition, membership, duties, and responsibilities, in subsection (c), by569
replacing "council" with "commission", in paragraph (e)(5), by inserting a comma following570
"chapter", and in subsection (h), by inserting "and reserved" following "repealed".571
(11) Code Section 31-2A-16, relating to Maternal Mortality Review Committee established,572
in paragraph (d)(1), by replacing "Chapter 7 of Title 31," with "Chapter 7 of this title,".573
(12) Code Section 31-5-3, relating to appeals, in paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "however,"574
with "however, that,".575
S. B. 153
- 23 - 25 LC 39 4444
(13) Code Section 31-6-21.1, relating to procedures for rule making by Department of
576
Community Health, in subsection (h), by replacing "For purposes of this Code section, 'rules'577
shall mean" with "As used in this Code section, the term 'rules' means".578
(14) Code Section 31-6-40, relating to certificate of need required for new institutional579
health services and exemption, in subsection (d), by replacing "however, all" with "however,580
that all".581
(15) Code Section 31-6-42, relating to qualifications for issuance of certificate, in the582
undesignated text at the end of subsection (c), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used583
in".584
(16) Code Section 31-6-43, relating to acceptance or rejection of application for certificate,585
in subsection (k), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".586
(17) Code Section 31-6-44.1, relating to judicial review, in subsection (c), by replacing587
"however," with "however, that".588
(18) Code Section 31-6-45.2, relating to participation as Medicaid provider requirement,589
termination by health care facility of participation as provider of medical assistance, and590
monetary penalty, in the introductory language of paragraph (b)(3), by replacing "For591
purposes of this Code section, 'good cause' shall mean:" with "As used in this Code section,592
the term 'good cause' means:".593
(19) Code Section 31-6-70, relating to reports to the department by certain health care594
facilities and all ambulatory surgical centers and imaging centers and public availability, in595
the introductory language of paragraph (b)(8), by replacing "person" with "persons", in596
subsection (g), by replacing "department website" with "department's public website", and597
in subsection (h), by deleting "publicly" and by inserting "public" preceding "websites".598
(20) Code Section 31-7-1, relating to definitions regarding regulation and construction of599
hospitals other health care facilities, in the undesignated text at the end of paragraph (4), by600
replacing "The term 'institution'" with "Such term" and in subparagraph (8)(B), by inserting601
"that" following "provided".602
S. B. 153
- 24 - 25 LC 39 4444
(21) Code Section 31-7-2.2, relating to determination that patients or residents in an
603
institution, community living arrangement, or treatment program are in danger, relocation604
of patients or residents, and suspension of admissions, in the introductory language of605
paragraph (c)(1), by replacing "or program" with "or a program".606
(22) Code Section 31-7-7, relating to refusal or revocation by public hospital of staff607
privileges, in subsection (a), by replacing "however," with "however, that,".608
(23) Code Section 31-7-12, relating to personal care homes, licensure and registration,609
inspection by local boards, fees, investigations, waiver, variance, or exemption, staffing,610
training, and financial stability requirements, and certified medication aides, in611
paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "This term" with "Such term" and by deleting "of612
subsection (b)".613
(24) Code Section 31-7-12.2, relating to regulation and licensing of assisted living614
communities, legislative intent, definitions, procedures, and requirements for medication615
aides, in subsection (e), by replacing "Office" with "office".616
(25) Code Section 31-7-12.8, relating to certification as nurse aide, employer sponsored617
training and competency examination programs, and provisional practice by military medical618
personnel, in subsection (d), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".619
(26) Code Section 31-7-55, relating to administration of state funds, by inserting "federal"620
preceding "Public Health Service Act".621
(27) Code Section 31-7-56, relating to adherence to federal law and regulations, by inserting622
"federal" preceding "Public Health Service Act".623
(28) Code Section 31-7-92, relating to filing of audits, by deleting the comma following624
"municipality".625
(29) Code Section 31-7-133, relating to confidentiality of review organization's records, in626
subsection (a) and paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "however, such" with "however, that such".627
(30) Code Section 31-7-407.1, relating to report of findings, by replacing "the time for628
issuing said" with "that the time for issuing such".629
S. B. 153
- 25 - 25 LC 39 4444
(31) Code Section 31-8-3, relating to disbursement of state funds to counties, by replacing
630
"however, the" with "however, that the".631
(32) Code Section 31-8-9.1, relating to eligibility to receive tax credits, obligations of rural632
hospitals after receipt of funds, and posting information on website, in633
subparagraph (a)(3)(H), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in" and in the634
introductory language of subsection (d) and in paragraph (d)(5), by inserting "public"635
preceding "website".636
(33) Code Section 31-8-82, relating to persons required to report abuse or exploitation, time637
for making report, contents of report, records, and privileged communications, in638
paragraph (a)(9), by replacing "Title 31" with "this title".639
(34) Code Section 31-8-171, relating to definitions regarding quality assessment fees on care640
management organizations, in paragraph (1), by deleting "of the Official Code of Georgia641
Annotated" and by replacing "Sec." with "Section".642
(35) Code Section 31-8-307, relating to referrals to the drug repository program, in the643
introductory language of subsection (a), by inserting a comma following "Corrections" and644
in paragraph (a)(3), by inserting a comma following "limited to".645
(36) Code Section 31-9-2, relating to persons authorized to consent to surgical or medical646
treatment, in paragraph (a)(7), by replacing "For purposes of this paragraph," with "As used647
in this paragraph, the term" and in subsection (c), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As648
used in".649
(37) Code Section 31-9-6.1, relating to disclosure of certain information to persons650
undergoing certain surgical or diagnostic procedures, failure to comply, exceptions, and651
regulations establishing standards for implementation, in paragraph (e)(4), by inserting a652
comma following "however, that".653
(38) Code Section 31-9A-2, relating to definitions regarding woman's right to know, in654
paragraph (1), by replacing "The term 'abortion'" with "Such term" each time the phrase655
S. B. 153
- 26 - 25 LC 39 4444
appears, in paragraph (6), by replacing "Internet" with "internet", and in paragraph (7), by
656
replacing "homo sapiens" with "Homo sapiens".657
(39) Code Section 31-9A-3, relating to voluntary and informed consent to abortion and658
availability of ultrasound, in subparagraph (2)(D), by replacing "they shall" with "such659
materials shall".660
(40) Code Section 31-9B-2, relating to requirement to determine presence of detectable661
human heartbeat of unborn child, in subsection (b), by inserting a comma following "Code662
Section 43-34-8".663
(41) Code Section 31-10-14, relating to issuance of new certificate of birth following664
adoption and legitimation or paternity determination, in subsection (b), by replacing665
"step-parent" with "stepparent".666
(42) Code Section 31-11-52, relating to certification and recertification of, and training for,667
paramedics and cardiac technicians, qualifications by felons, and provisional practice by668
military medical personnel, in subsection (e), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used669
in".670
(43) Code Section 31-11-53, relating to services which may be rendered by certified671
emergency medical technicians and trainees and provisional practice by military medical672
personnel, in subsection (d), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".673
(44) Code Section 31-11-82, relating to evaluation of person with emergency condition,674
initiation of intervention without prospective authorization, and insurer may not deny675
payment after prospective authorization given, in subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes676
of" with "As used in".677
(45) Code Section 31-12-2, relating to reporting certain diseases and neonatal abstinence678
syndrome, confidentiality, reporting required of pharmacists, immunity from liability as to679
information supplied, and notification of potential bioterrorism, in subsection (a), by680
replacing "however," with "however, that" and in paragraph (a.1)(2), by replacing681
"diagnosis" with "diagnoses".682
S. B. 153
- 27 - 25 LC 39 4444
(46) Code Section 31-12-3.1, relating to vaccination registry and reporting requirements,
683
maintenance, and use of information, in the undesignated text at the end of subsection (b),684
by replacing "United States" with "federal".685
(47) Code Section 31-12-4.1, relating to smallpox vaccination and treatment program, in686
paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "workers," with "worker," and by replacing "said hospital"687
with "such hospital," and in the undesignated text at the end of subsection (b), by replacing688
"said" with "such".689
(48) Code Section 31-12-13, relating to definitions concerning bloodborne pathogens,690
standards, and funds for research and development, in the introductory language of691
subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".692
(49) Code Section 31-13-6, relating to bonding licensees, in subsection (a), by replacing693
"bond not less" with "bond of not less".694
(50) Code Section 31-14-14, relating to immunity from liability, by replacing "Title 31,"695
with "this title,".696
(51) Code Section 31-17-4.2, relating to HIV and syphilis pregnancy screening, in697
paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "28–32" with "28 to 32".698
(52) Code Section 31-20-2, relating to performance of sterilization procedure upon request,699
by replacing "that prior to or at the time of such request" with "that, prior to or at the time of700
such request,".701
(53) Code Section 31-21-3, relating to death of person with infectious or communicable702
disease, required reporting procedures, confidentiality, disclosure, and penalties, in the703
introductory language of subsection (a), by replacing "For the purposes of" with "As used704
in" and in paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "or" with "and".705
(54) Code Section 31-21-6, relating to notification of law enforcement agency upon706
disturbance, destruction, or debasement of human remains, in the introductory language of707
subsection (b), by replacing "ancestors of or" with "ancestors of".708
S. B. 153
- 28 - 25 LC 39 4444
(55) Code Section 31-21-7, relating to preneed contracts and revisions, affidavit on
709
disposition of remains, role of probate court, warrant as to truthfulness, and liability of710
funeral home, in paragraph (c)(4), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".711
(56) Code Section 31-21-20, relating to Board for the Distribution of Cadavers, by replacing712
"For the purposes of" with "As used in".713
(57) Code Section 31-21-21, relating to delivery to board of certain unclaimed bodies, in714
subsection (a), by deleting "for distribution".715
(58) Code Section 31-21-23, relating to distribution of bodies by board, by deleting "for716
distribution" and by deleting "above-specified".717
(59) Code Section 31-21-24, relating to transportation of bodies, by deleting "for718
distribution" and by deleting "above".719
(60) Code Section 31-21-26, relating to payment of expenses, by deleting "for distribution".720
(61) Code Section 31-33-2, relating to furnishing copy of records to patient, provider, or721
other authorized person, in paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "42 U.S.C. Section 1320d-2, et722
seq.," with "P.L. 104-191,".723
(62) Code Section 31-33-7, relating to furnishing copies of psychological or psychiatric724
evaluation to law enforcement officer upon request, in subsection (c), by inserting a comma725
following "information".726
(63) Code Section 31-33-8, relating to electronic records and application to psychiatric,727
psychological, or other mental health records, in subsection (g), by inserting a comma728
following "(d)".729
(64) Code Section 31-34-4, relating to loan applicant qualifications and rules and730
regulations, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Education or the American Osteopathic731
Association" with "Education, the American Osteopathic Association,", in paragraph (c)(1),732
by replacing "consider among other criteria for granting loans under the provisions of this733
article" with "consider, among other criteria for granting loans under the provisions of this734
article,", and in paragraph (c)(2), by replacing "consider among other criteria for granting735
S. B. 153
- 29 - 25 LC 39 4444
loans under the provisions of this article" with "consider, among other criteria for granting
736
loans under the provisions of this article," and by replacing "future census state" with "future737
such census".738
(65) Code Section 31-34-5, relating to service cancelable loan, amount, repayment, and739
determination of underserved rural areas, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "that for740
applicants that" with "that, for applicants who".741
(66) Code Section 31-34-6, relating to contract between applicant and state agreeing to terms742
and conditions of loan, breach of contract, and service cancelable contracts, in743
paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "article who breaches" with "article that breaches".744
(67) Code Section 31-35-1, relating to legislative findings, by replacing "the United States745
Centers" with "the federal Centers".746
(68) Code Section 31-36B-5, relating to healthcare decision making by lay caregiver, no747
delay in care, and responsibilities, in subsection (e), by replacing "Center for Medicare" with748
"federal Centers for Medicare".749
(69) Code Section 31-41-12, relating to definitions regarding childhood lead exposure750
control, in paragraph (2), by replacing "age including" with "age, including" and in751
paragraph (7), by replacing "14 U.S.C. Code Section 185(b)(15)" with "P.L. 102-550,".752
(70) Code Section 31-45A-3, relating to development of model aquatic safety plan, in753
subsection (a), by inserting "public" preceding "website" and in subsection (d), by inserting754
"federal" preceding "Centers".755
(71) Code Section 31-49-3, relating to duties and responsibilities of the Georgia Council on756
Lupus Education and Awareness, in paragraph (a)(2), by inserting "federal" preceding757
"Centers" and in subsection (b), by inserting "public" preceding "website".758
(72) Code Section 31-52-3, relating to definitions regarding the "Georgia Right to Try Act,"759
in subparagraph (5)(A), by replacing "Title 31" with "this title".760
(73) Code Section 31-53-3, relating to establishment of Office of Health Strategy and761
Coordination and powers and duties, in paragraph (b)(16), by inserting "and" preceding762
S. B. 153
- 30 - 25 LC 39 4444
"practice" and by replacing "outcome" with "outcomes" and in paragraph (b)(23), by
763
replacing "Centralizing" with "Centralize".764
(74) Code Section 31-53-47, relating to submission of claims and personal identification765
data not public record, in subsection (b), by deleting the comma following "paid" and by766
replacing "Data Submission Guide" with "data submission guide" and in subsection (d), by767
replacing "claim" with "claims".768
(75) Code Section 31-53-50, relating to penalties for noncompliance, in subsection (b), by769
deleting the comma following "31-53-51".770
(76) Code Section 31-54-2, relating to law enforcement powers, required training, and771
carrying of weapon, in subsection (a), by inserting a comma following "however, that" and772
"further, that" and in subsection (b), by replacing "must" with "shall".773
(77) The following Code sections, by inserting "public" preceding "website" and "websites"774
each time the term appears:775
(A) Code Section 31-1-18, relating to individuals with high risk for breast cancer and776
consumer information;777
(B) Code Section 31-2-10, relating to information and comparisons regarding state-wide778
cost and quality of health care;779
(C) Code Section 31-2-14, relating to nurse aide registry, complaint filing, and public780
access;781
(D) Code Section 31-2-15, relating to streamlining and expediting credentialing and billing782
processes;783
(E) Code Section 31-2A-36, relating to criteria for grant consideration;784
(F) Code Section 31-2A-54, relating to listing of designated facilities and self-assessment785
tool;786
(G) Code Section 31-7-22, relating to required publication by hospital of certain787
documentation on website, updating, penalty for noncompliance, enforcement, and788
individual criminal penalty;789
S. B. 153
- 31 - 25 LC 39 4444
(H) Code Section 31-7-193, relating to Palliative Care Consumer and Professional
790
Information and Education Program;791
(I) Code Section 31-7-434, relating to informational materials and public accessibility;792
(J) Code Section 31-8-305, relating to substitutions of drugs or biological products,793
limitations, and recording;794
(K) Code Section 31-11-115, relating to distribution of list of state identified stroke centers795
to emergency medical services providers, development of a model stroke triage assessment796
tool, and assessment, treatment, and transport of stroke patients;797
(L) Code Section 31-11-116, relating to annual reports;798
(M) Code Section 31-11-134, relating to data reporting system;799
(N) Code Section 31-11-136, relating to listing of emergency cardiac care centers,800
emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool, and protocols;801
(O) Code Section 31-45A-4, relating to publication of model aquatic safety plan on802
website and additional instructional materials;803
(P) Code Section 31-49-4, relating to distribution of information;804
(Q) Code Section 31-50-3, relating to purpose, required activities, and funding; and805
(R) Code Section 31-53-6, relating to compiling of reports and public dissemination of806
data.807
(78) The following Code sections, by inserting "federal" preceding "Centers for Disease808
Control and Prevention" each time the term appears:809
(A) Code Section 31-7-18, relating to vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal disease810
for certain discharged patients, vaccinations or other measures for health care workers and811
other employees in hospitals, immunity from liability, and standing orders;812
(B) Code Section 31-7-19, relating to nursing homes to annually offer influenza813
vaccinations to health care workers and other employees and immunity from liability;814
(C) Code Section 31-7-21, relating to provision of influenza education information to815
assisted living community residents;816
S. B. 153
- 32 - 25 LC 39 4444
(D) Code Section 31-12-3.2, relating to meningococcal disease, vaccinations, and
817
disclosures; and818
(E) Code Section 31-22-9.2, relating to HIV tests and report of positive results,819
notification, counseling, violations, exception for insurance coverage, and exposure of820
health care provider.821
SECTION 32.822
Reserved.823
SECTION 33.824
Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, is amended in:825
(1) Code Section 33-64-7, relating to the Commissioner of Insurance's authority over rules826
and regulations, in subsection (c), by replacing "deidentified" with "de-identified".827
(2) Code Section 33-66-6, relating to data analysis and initial report, in subsection (b), by828
replacing "this Code Section" with "this Code section" and in subsection (c), by replacing829
"Governor's Office," with "Governor's office,".830
SECTION 34.831
Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to labor and industrial relations,832
is amended in:833
(1) Code Section 34-8-167, relating to collection of delinquent contribution payments834
generally, in subsection (b), by replacing "Code Sections 48-2-55 and 48-3-1" with "Code835
Section 48-2-55".836
SECTION 35.837
Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to law enforcement officers and838
agencies, is amended in:839
S. B. 153
- 33 - 25 LC 39 4444
(1) Code Section 35-1-2, relating to examination of sexual assault victims and reports, in
840
subsection (g), by inserting "public" preceding "website".841
(2) Code Section 35-1-8, relating to acquisition, collection, classification, and preservation842
of information assisting in identifying deceased persons and locating missing persons, in843
paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "For purposes of this subsection," with "As used in this844
subsection, the term".845
(3) Code Section 35-1-19, relating to disclosure of arrest booking photographs prohibited,846
in subsection (b), by replacing "State Sexual Offender Registry," with "state sexual offender847
registry," and by inserting "public" preceding "website." and in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2),848
by inserting "public" preceding "website" each time the term appears.849
(4) Code Section 35-2-15, relating to off-duty use of motor vehicles and other equipment by850
certain law enforcement officers, conditions for use, and rules and regulations, in851
paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "Board of Public Safety." with "board.".852
(5) Code Section 35-2-49, relating to provision of uniforms and equipment to sworn853
members of the Department of Public Safety and radio operators and retention of weapons854
and badges upon retirement, by replacing "Department of Public Safety" with "department"855
each time the term appears and by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".856
(6) Code Section 35-2-51, relating to storeroom for excess clothing, equipment, and other857
articles and disposition of old and worn equipment, in subsection (b), by replacing "must"858
with "shall" and by replacing "Department of Public Safety" with "department".859
(7) Code Section 35-2-52, relating to clothing allowance for members of Uniform Division860
assigned permanently to personal security or special duty assignments, by replacing "Board861
of Public Safety," with "board,".862
(8) Code Section 35-2-57, relating to use of retired unmarked pursuit cars for training, by863
replacing "Georgia State Patrol" with "Uniform Division" and by deleting "of public safety"864
following "commissioner".865
S. B. 153
- 34 - 25 LC 39 4444
(9) Code Section 35-2-81, relating to definitions regarding Department of Public Safety
866
nomenclature, in paragraph (1), by replacing "Department of Public Safety," with867
"department,", and by deleting paragraphs (2) and (3) and by redesignating paragraphs (4)868
through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively.869
(10) Code Section 35-2-84, relating to procedure for seeking permission to use department870
nomenclature or symbols, by replacing "Board of Public Safety." with "board.".871
(11) Code Section 35-2-120, relating to definitions regarding the Capitol Police Division,872
by deleting paragraphs (2) and (3) and by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).873
(12) Code Section 35-3-5, relating to director and creation, appointment and removal, and874
powers and duties, in subsection (b), by replacing "Board of Public Safety" with "board".875
(13) Code Section 35-3-7, relating to agreements by director and commissioner for provision876
of services and material, by deleting "of public safety" following "commissioner" and by877
replacing "Board of Public Safety," with "board,".878
(14) Code Section 35-3-31, relating to establishment of center, staff and equipment879
generally, and State Personnel Board status of personnel, in subsection (a), by replacing880
"Georgia Bureau of Investigation," with "bureau," and in subsection (c), by replacing881
"Department of Public Safety," with "department,".882
(15) Code Section 35-3-63, relating to creation of task force and purposes, by replacing883
"Georgia Bureau of Investigation" with "bureau" each time the term appears and by replacing884
"This Antiterrorism Task Force" with "The task force".885
(16) Code Section 35-3-104, relating to procedures for seeking permission to use bureau886
nomenclature or symbols, by replacing "Board of Public Safety." with "board.".887
(17) Code Section 35-3-150, relating to definitions regarding the Division of Forensic888
Sciences, by revising said Code section as follows:889
"35-3-150.890
As used in this article, the term:891
(1) 'Board' means the Board of Public Safety.
892
S. B. 153
- 35 - 25 LC 39 4444
(2)(1) 'Crime lab' or 'state crime lab' means the Division of Forensic Sciences of the893
Georgia Bureau of Investigation bureau.894
(3) 'Director' means the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.895
(4)(2) 'Division' means the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of896
Investigation bureau.897
(5)(3) 'Division director' means the director of the Division of Forensic Sciences of the898
Georgia Bureau of Investigation bureau.899
(6)(4) 'Independent test' means a forensic analysis of evidence in the custody and900
possession of the state or any political subdivision or authority thereof conducted at the901
request of or on behalf of any person other than a prosecuting attorney, law enforcement902
officer, or other authorized agent of the state or which are ordered conducted by a court903
at the request of an accused.904
(7)(5) 'Regional medical examiner' shall have the same meaning as defined in905
paragraph (13) of set forth in Code Section 45-16-21.906
(8)(6) 'Rule' or 'rules' means a rule or regulation adopted pursuant to Chapter 13 of907
Title 50, the 'Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.'"908
(18) Code Section 35-3-204, relating to membership in Georgia Information Sharing and909
Analysis Center and availability of analysts, in subsection (a), by deleting "of public safety"910
following "commissioner".911
(19) Code Section 35-5-2, relating to board authorized to establish, operate, and maintain912
center and powers of board as to selection and compensation of administrator, in the913
introductory language of subsection (a), by replacing "Board of Public Safety" with "board"914
and in subsections (b) and (c), by replacing "center" with "Georgia Public Safety Training915
Center".916
(20) Code Section 35-5-3, relating to assignment to Department of Public Safety for917
administrative purposes and authorization to solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations,918
S. B. 153
- 36 - 25 LC 39 4444
property, and services, in subsection (a), by replacing "center" with "Georgia Public Safety
919
Training Center" and by replacing "Department of Public Safety" with "department".920
(21) Code Section 35-5-4, relating to powers and duties of administrator of Georgia Public921
Safety Training Center, by replacing "center" with "Georgia Public Safety Training Center"922
each time the term appears.923
(22) Code Section 35-5-5, relating to center available for use by certain personnel, fees,924
enrollment, authorization for expenditure of funds, and powers and duties, in subsections (a),925
(b), and (c), by replacing "center" with "Georgia Public Safety Training Center" each time926
the term appears.927
(23) Code Section 35-5-7, relating to law enforcement unit, in subsection (a), by replacing928
"center," with "Georgia Public Safety Training Center,".929
(24) Code Section 35-6A-3, relating to membership, vacancies, and membership not bar to930
holding public office, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Board of Public Safety," with931
"board," and by replacing "the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental932
Disabilities," with "behavioral health and developmental disabilities,".933
(25) Code Section 35-6A-4, relating to election of chairperson and vice chairperson,934
meetings, minutes and records, and rules, in paragraph (2), by replacing "chairman" with935
"chairperson" and in paragraph (3), by inserting "and" at the end.936
(26) Code Section 35-6A-10, relating to incentives for using federal Department of937
Homeland Security's Secure Communities initiative and obligations of council, in938
paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4), by replacing "Internet website;" with "public website;".939
(27) Code Section 35-6A-11, relating to juvenile justice advisory board and membership,940
in paragraph (a)(8), by deleting "and" at the end and in subsection (d), by replacing "must"941
with "shall".942
(28) Code Section 35-6A-13, which is repealed, by designating said Code section as943
reserved.944
S. B. 153
- 37 - 25 LC 39 4444
(29) Code Section 35-6A-14, which is repealed, by designating said Code section as
945
reserved.946
(30) Code Section 35-6A-15, relating to grant program for transportation costs to emergency947
treatment facilities, by replacing "the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council" with "the948
council".949
(31) Code Section 35-6A-17, relating to the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention950
Advisory Board, membership, and termination, in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "Office of951
the Attorney General;" with "office of the Attorney General;".952
(32) Code Section 35-8-3, relating to the establishment of Georgia Peace Officer Standards953
and Training Council, membership, organization, and administrative assignment to954
Department of Public Safety, in paragraph (b)(1), by deleting "of public safety" following955
"commissioner" and in subsection (e), by replacing "the Department of Public Safety" with956
"the department".957
(33) Code Section 35-8-7.4, relating to bias motivated intimidation of first responders and958
prosecution and penalty, in subsection (a), by replacing the comma with a semicolon959
following "fire department" and by replacing the comma with a semicolon following "Code960
Section 35-8-2".961
(34) Code Section 35-8-8, relating to requirements for appointment or certification of962
persons as peace officers and preemployment attendance at basic training course and963
"employment related information" defined, in paragraph (c)(1), by replacing "For purposes964
of this subsection," with "As used in this subsection,".965
(35) Code Section 35-8-10, relating to applicability and effect of certification requirements966
generally and requirements as to exempt persons, in subsection (b), by replacing "Department967
of Public Safety," with "department," and by replacing "must" with "shall".968
(36) Code Section 35-8-13.1, relating to training and certification of municipal probation969
officers, in subsection (e), by replacing "The term 'municipal probation officer' as used in this970
Code section means" with "As used in this Code section, the term 'municipal probation971
S. B. 153
- 38 - 25 LC 39 4444
officer' means", by replacing "the term 'municipal probation officer'" with "such term", and
972
by replacing "the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council" with "the council"973
and in subsection (f), by replacing "the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training974
Council" with "the council".975
(37) Code Section 35-8-20, relating to training requirements for police chiefs, department976
heads, and wardens, effect of failure to fulfill training requirement, and waiver of977
requirements, in subsections (b) and (e), by replacing "the Georgia Peace Officer Standards978
and Training Council" with "the council".979
(38) Code Section 35-8-20.1, relating to training for police chiefs and department heads980
appointed after June 30, 1999, and waivers, in subsections (b) and (h), by replacing "the981
Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council" with "the council".982
(39) Code Section 35-8-21, relating to training requirements for peace officers, waiver,983
exemption for retired peace officers, and confirmation of training, in subsection (a), by984
replacing "the Department of Public Safety" with "the department" and by deleting "of public985
safety" following "commissioner" and in subsections (b) and (e), by replacing "the Georgia986
Peace Officer Standards and Training Council" with "the council".987
(40) Code Section 35-8-23, relating to basic training course for communications officers,988
certification requirements, duties of council, and rules and regulations, in subsection (d), by989
replacing "(TDD's)" with "(TDDs)".990
(41) Code Section 35-8-24, relating to training requirements for jail officers and juvenile991
correctional officers, in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) and subsection (c), by replacing "the992
Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council" with "the council".993
(42) Code Section 35-8-26, relating to TASER and electronic control weapons, requirements994
for use, establishment of policies, and training, in subsection (c), by replacing "the Georgia995
Peace Officer Standards and Training Council" with "the council".996
(43) The following Code sections, by replacing "Department of Public Safety" with997
"department" each time the term appears:998
S. B. 153
- 39 - 25 LC 39 4444
(A) Code Section 35-1-22, relating to prohibition on law enforcement retaining license
999
plate data obtained from automated license plate recognition systems, limited use of data,1000
and public disclosure prohibited;1001
(B) Code Section 35-2-1, relating to creation of Board of Public Safety, composition, and1002
appointment and terms of office of members;1003
(C) Code Section 35-2-31, relating to composition;1004
(D) Code Section 35-2-36.1, relating to Auxiliary Service of the Uniform Division,1005
appointment of members, salary, authority and powers, equipment, and eligibility;1006
(E) Code Section 35-2-41.1, relating to donation or conveyance of property, equipment,1007
or services to the department and procedure;1008
(F) Code Section 35-2-44, relating to enlistment, examination, preliminary training,1009
subsequent instruction, and rules and regulations for discipline and conduct of recruits and1010
troopers of Uniform Division;1011
(G) Code Section 35-2-45, relating to promotions of personnel in Uniform Division;1012
(H) Code Section 35-2-49.1, relating to retention of badge and weapon by disabled law1013
enforcement officer;1014
(I) Code Section 35-2-50, relating to purchasing of uniforms, supplies, and equipment;1015
(J) Code Section 35-2-53, relating to members of Uniform Division to receive no costs or1016
emoluments, exception for rewards, and payment and distribution of fines and costs;1017
(K) Code Section 35-2-74, relating to Governor to prescribe coverage by State Personnel1018
Board;1019
(L) Code Section 35-2-102, relating to weight inspector positions, training, powers and1020
responsibilities, and presence of certified peace officer;1021
(M) Code Section 35-2-140, relating to transfer of certain personnel, aircraft, and other1022
assets from the Georgia Aviation Authority to the department;1023
(N) Code Section 35-2-160, relating to definitions regarding Office of Public Safety1024
Support;1025
S. B. 153
- 40 - 25 LC 39 4444
(O) Code Section 35-2-161, relating to Office of Public Safety Support established;
1026
(P) Code Section 35-2-163, relating to peer counseling and critical incident support1027
services, certification, and employment of necessary staff;1028
(Q) Code Section 35-3-4, relating to powers and duties of bureau generally;1029
(R) Code Section 35-4-3, relating to academy assigned to department for administrative1030
purposes; and1031
(S) Code Section 35-8-2, relating to definitions regarding employment and training of1032
peace officers.1033
(44) The following Code sections, by replacing "Georgia Bureau of Investigation" with1034
"bureau" each time the term appears:1035
(A) Code Section 35-3-3, relating to divisions of bureau;1036
(B) Code Section 35-3-33, relating to powers and duties of the Georgia Crime Information1037
Center generally;1038
(C) Code Section 35-3-34, relating to disclosure and dissemination of criminal records to1039
private persons and businesses, resulting responsibility and liability of issuing center, and1040
provision of certain information to the FBI in conjunction with the National Instant1041
Criminal Background Check System;1042
(D) Code Section 35-3-80, relating to definitions regarding the Missing Children1043
Information Center;1044
(E) Code Section 35-3-81, relating to establishment, development, maintenance, and1045
operation of center and staff;1046
(F) Code Section 35-3-84, relating to sending information to center;1047
(G) Code Section 35-3-151, relating to responsibilities of the Division of Forensic1048
Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation;1049
(H) Code Section 35-3-152, relating to appointment, powers, and responsibilities of1050
division director;1051
S. B. 153
- 41 - 25 LC 39 4444
(I) Code Section 35-3-160, relating to DNA analysis in felony convictions and certain
1052
felony charges and performance of tests; and1053
(J) Code Section 35-3-201, relating to the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis1054
Center established and purpose.1055
SECTION 36.1056
Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, is amended1057
in:1058
(1) Code Section 36-1-20, relating to ordinances for governing and policing of1059
unincorporated areas of county, in subsection (b), by inserting a comma following "however,1060
that" and by inserting a comma following "Clean Water Act".1061
(2) Code Section 36-5-28, relating to members of county governing authority to receive1062
compensation increase when classified service employees receive increase, calculation, and1063
effective date, by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1064
(3) Code Section 36-8-8, relating to limitation on decreasing funding for county police force1065
and exceptions, in paragraph (c)(3), by inserting "public" preceding "website".1066
(4) Code Section 36-9-3, relating to sale or disposition of county real property generally,1067
right of certain counties to make private sale, and right of county to negotiate and1068
consummate private sales of recreational set-asides, in division (a)(2)(B)(iv), by replacing1069
"Create a website which posts:" with "Create a public website which posts", in1070
subparagraph (a)(3)(D), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,", and in1071
subparagraph (g)(3)(B), by replacing "however," with "however, that".1072
(5) Code Section 36-17-21, relating to allocation of funds, grant of tax credit to homesteads1073
as prerequisite to receipt of funds, and use of surplus funds, in subsection (a), by replacing1074
"For purposes of" with "As used in".1075
(6) Code Section 36-32-2, relating to appointment of judges, in paragraph (a)(2), by1076
replacing "provided such" with "provided that such".1077
S. B. 153
- 42 - 25 LC 39 4444
(7) Code Section 36-32-2.1, relating to removal of judges, in the introductory language of
1078
paragraph (b)(3), by replacing "alleged" with "alleges" and in subparagraph (b)(3)(D), by1079
deleting "of subsection (c)".1080
(8) Code Section 36-32-13, relating to municipal court clerks and role of Municipal Courts1081
Training Council, in the introductory language of subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes1082
of" with "As used in".1083
(9) Code Section 36-34-5, relating to acquisition and construction of water and sewage1084
systems, in subsection (b), by replacing "subsection (c)" with "subsection (d)".1085
(10) Code Section 36-36-4, relating to creation of unincorporated islands prohibited and1086
authorization to provide services or functions, in subsection (b), by replacing "For purposes1087
of this subsection, 'unincorporated island' shall have the same meaning as contained in1088
paragraph (3) of Code Section 36-36-90." with "As used in this subsection, the term1089
'unincorporated island' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 36-36-90.".1090
(11) Code Section 36-36-11, relating to effect of objection to land use following rezoning1091
and minimum procedures for addressing issues, in subsection (a), by replacing "however,1092
that" with "however, that,".1093
(12) Code Section 36-36-16, relating to procedures for annexation and referendum, in1094
subsection (b), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1095
(13) Code Section 36-36-112, relating to prohibition on a change in zoning or land use, by1096
replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1097
(14) Code Section 36-36-115, relating to meetings of arbitration panel, duties, findings and1098
recommendations, and compensation, in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "however, that" with1099
"however, that," and in paragraph (a)(6), by inserting "public" preceding "website".1100
(15) Code Section 36-37-6, relating to disposition of municipal property generally, in1101
division (a)(2)(B)(iv), by replacing "Create a website which posts:" with "Create a public1102
website which posts" and in subsection (c), by replacing "however, that" with "however,1103
that,".1104
S. B. 153
- 43 - 25 LC 39 4444
(16) Code Section 36-41-3, relating to definitions regarding urban residential finance
1105
authorities for large municipalities, in paragraph (14), by replacing "The term 'real property'"1106
with "Such term", in paragraph (16), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that," and1107
by replacing "The term 'residential housing'" with "Such term", and in paragraph (17), by1108
replacing "The term 'security interest'" with "Such term".1109
(17) Code Section 36-45-20, relating to training course regarding clerk of the governing1110
authority of a municipality, in subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used1111
in".1112
(18) Code Section 36-60-6, relating to utilization of federal work authorization program,1113
"employee" defined, issuance of license, evidence of state licensure, annual reporting,1114
standardized form affidavit, violation, and investigations, in subsection (b), by replacing "For1115
purposes of" with "As used in" and in subsection (f), by inserting "public" preceding1116
"website".1117
(19) Code Section 36-60-15.1, relating to operation and maintenance of water treatment1118
systems by private entities, by replacing "For purposes of this Code section, 'applicant'1119
means" with "As used in this Code section, the term 'applicant' means".1120
(20) Code Section 36-60-17, relating to water supplier's cut off of water to property because1121
of indebtedness of prior owner, occupant, or lessee prohibited, records required, statement1122
of past due amounts, and limited liens for unpaid charges for water, gas, sewerage service,1123
or electricity, in subparagraph (c)(1)(D), by replacing "e-mail" with "email".1124
(21) Code Section 36-60-19, relating to dispatch centers, required training for1125
communications officers, exceptions, and penalty for noncompliance, in subsection (a), by1126
replacing "(TDD's)" with "(TDDs)" each time the term appears.1127
(22) Code Section 36-60-21, relating to contracts with private companies to construct and1128
operate private toll roads and bridges to facilitate public transportation without additional tax1129
revenues, in subsection (d), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1130
S. B. 153
- 44 - 25 LC 39 4444
(23) Code Section 36-60-24, relating to sale or use or ignition of consumer fireworks
1131
products, in subsection (f), by replacing "For purposes of this subsection," with "As used in1132
this Code section," and by replacing "provided" with "set forth".1133
(24) Code Section 36-60-29, relating to limitation on decreasing funding for municipal1134
police force and exceptions, in paragraph (c)(3), by inserting "public" preceding "website".1135
(25) Code Section 36-61-4, relating to encouragement of private enterprise, in1136
subparagraph (b)(3)(B), by inserting "public" preceding "websites".1137
(26) Code Section 36-63-2, relating to purpose of chapter regarding resource recovery1138
development authorities, in subsection (b), by replacing "however," with "however, that".1139
(27) Code Section 36-63-4, relating to definitions regarding resource recovery development1140
authorities, in paragraph (10), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".1141
(28) Code Section 36-63-8, relating to powers of authority generally, in paragraph (a)(6),1142
by replacing "however," with "however, that".1143
(29) Code Section 36-66-3, relating to definitions regarding zoning procedures, in1144
paragraph (1.1), by replacing "powers including" with "powers, including" and in1145
paragraph (5), by replacing "The term" with "Such term".1146
(30) Code Section 36-66-4, relating to hearings on proposed zoning decisions, notice of1147
hearing, nongovernmental initiated actions, reconsideration of defeated actions, and1148
procedure on zoning, in subsection (a), by replacing "this Code Section." with "this Code1149
section.".1150
(31) Code Section 36-66C-7, relating to requirements of authority following receipt of1151
application, notification of time lapse, consolidated application, limitation on installation1152
locations and permits, reconditioning work, time restrictions, imminent risk to public safety,1153
repair of damage, and delivery of notice or decision, in paragraph (j)(8), by replacing1154
"Title 36" with "this title" and in paragraph (m)(4), by replacing "120 days written notice"1155
with "120 days' written notice".1156
S. B. 153
- 45 - 25 LC 39 4444
(32) Code Section 36-70-2, relating to definitions regarding coordinated and comprehensive
1157
planning and service delivery by counties and municipalities, in paragraph (4), by deleting1158
"of the State of Georgia created pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 50" and in1159
paragraph (5.2), by replacing "The term" with "Such term".1160
(33) Code Section 36-70-21, as effective on January 1, 2026, relating to implementation1161
agreements, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "December 31st" with "December 31".1162
(34) Code Section 36-70-22, as effective on January 1, 2026, relating to date for process1163
initiation and notice to municipalities and counties impacted, in paragraph (a)(1), by1164
replacing "April 1st" with "April 1" and by replacing "July 1st" with "July 1".1165
(35) Code Section 36-70-22.1, as effective on January 1, 2026, relating to response1166
proposals, in subsection (a), by deleting ", and" following "Code Section 36-70-23" and by1167
replacing "all such factual" with "all factual".1168
(36) Code Section 36-70-25.2, as effective on January 1, 2026, relating to nonbinding1169
arbitration process, in paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "the 180th day" with "180 days".1170
(37) Code Section 36-70-25.3, as effective on January 1, 2026, relating to judicial resolution1171
of certain disputes, in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) and subsection (b), by replacing1172
"non-binding" with "nonbinding".1173
(38) Code Section 36-72-2, relating to definitions regarding abandoned cemeteries and1174
burial grounds, in paragraph (3), by replacing "The term" with "Such term".1175
(39) Code Section 36-76-2, relating to definitions regarding expedited franchising of cable1176
and video services, in subparagraph (8)(A), by replacing "however, that" with "however,1177
that,", in subparagraph (8)(E), by replacing "Internet" with "internet" each time the term1178
appears, and in paragraph (17), by replacing "This term" with "Such term".1179
(40) Code Section 36-76-4, relating to application process for the issuance of a state1180
franchise and fees, in paragraph (c)(2), by replacing "geographical area" with "geographic1181
area" and in paragraph (g)(8), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1182
S. B. 153
- 46 - 25 LC 39 4444
(41) Code Section 36-80-16.1, relating to the PILOT Restriction Act, payments in lieu of
1183
taxes defined, and financing capital projects, in the undesignated text at the end of1184
subsection (b), by replacing "The term 'payments in lieu of taxes'" with "Such term".1185
(42) Code Section 36-80-17, relating to authorization to contract for utility services and1186
conditions and limitations, in subsection (a), by replacing "the term 'local authority' does"1187
with "such term does".1188
(43) Code Section 36-80-19, relating to general codification of ordinances and resolutions,1189
publication and availability of code, and official state repository for general codifications,1190
in paragraph (d)(1), by replacing "Internet" with "internet".1191
(44) Code Section 36-80-25, relating to financing of public projects by local entities, in1192
subsection (a), by replacing "health care" with "healthcare".1193
(45) Code Section 36-80-26, relating to multi-county community improvement districts for1194
transit projects, in the introductory language of subsection (a), by replacing "For purposes1195
of" with "As used in" and in subsection (b), by replacing "multi-county" with "multicounty".1196
(46) Code Section 36-81-2, relating to definitions regarding local government budgets and1197
audits, in paragraph (7), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in" and in1198
paragraph (16), by replacing "For purposes of this paragraph, 'county' includes" with "As1199
used in this paragraph, the term 'county' includes".1200
(47) Code Section 36-82-1, relating to election for bonded debt, right to sell bonds at1201
discount, advertisements as binding statements of intention, use of surpluses, meetings open1202
to public, and refunding, in subsection (f), by replacing "however," with "however, that".1203
(48) Code Section 36-82-60, relating to short title regarding revenue bonds, by inserting1204
"shall be known and" preceding "may be cited".1205
(49) Code Section 36-82-75, relating to duty of district attorney or Attorney General to file1206
petition, order to show cause, service of petition and order, and answer, by replacing1207
"however," with "however, that".1208
S. B. 153
- 47 - 25 LC 39 4444
(50) Code Section 36-82-182, relating to definitions regarding the "Georgia Allocation
1209
System," in paragraph (3), by replacing "For purposes of this article, the term 'bonds'" with1210
"Such term" and in paragraph (5), by replacing "The term 'business day'" with "Such term".1211
(51) Code Section 36-82-240, relating to definitions regarding commercial paper notes from1212
government, in paragraph (2), by replacing "The term 'governmental entity' does not include1213
'state authorities' as defined in paragraph (9) of Code Section 50-17-21." with "Such term1214
does not include state authorities as defined in Code Section 50-17-21.".1215
(52) Code Section 36-85-2, relating to formation, functions, counties and municipalities as1216
separate classes, agreements creating agencies, and files of administrator are sole property1217
of agency, in subsection (b), by replacing "however," with "however, that,".1218
(53) Code Section 36-91-20, relating to written contract required, advertising, competitive1219
sealed bidding, timing of addendums, and prequalification, in paragraph (b)(1), by inserting1220
"public" preceding "website" and "websites" and in paragraph (b)(3), by replacing "Internet"1221
with "internet" each time the term appears.1222
(54) Code Section 36-91-21, relating to competitive award requirements, in1223
paragraph (b)(4), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1224
(55) Code Section 36-91-50, relating to projects requiring bid bonds, revocation of bids, and1225
surety, in subsection (c), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1226
(56) Code Section 36-91-102, relating to planning, finance, construction, acquisition,1227
leasing, operation, and maintenance of projects, implementation, and lobbying restrictions,1228
in paragraph (c)(2), by inserting "public" preceding "websites".1229
SECTION 37.1230
Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mental health, is amended in:1231
(1) Code Section 37-2-6.5, relating to cessation of operations by community service board,1232
notification, and continuation of operations by successor board, county board of health, or1233
outside manager, in paragraph (b)(2), by deleting "paragraph (1) of".1234
S. B. 153
- 48 - 25 LC 39 4444
(2) Code Section 37-2-11, relating to allocation of available funds for services, recipients
1235
to meet minimum standards, accounting for fees generated by providers, and discrimination1236
in providing services prohibited, in subsection (b), by replacing "Code Section 37-3-6.1,"1237
with "Code Section 37-2-6.1,".1238
(3) Code Section 37-7-167, relating to right of patient to examine his records and to request1239
correction of inaccuracies, promulgation of rules and regulations, and judicial supervision1240
of files and records relating to proceedings under this chapter, in subsection (d), by inserting1241
"of subsection (a)" following "paragraphs (7) and (8)".1242
SECTION 38.1243
Reserved.1244
SECTION 39.1245
Reserved.1246
SECTION 40.1247
Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, is1248
amended in:1249
(1) Code Section 40-1-221, relating to assumption of liability and insurance, in1250
paragraph (c)(4), by replacing "car sharing" with "car-sharing" and in subsection (f), by1251
replacing "car-sharing"with "peer-to-peer car-sharing".1252
(2) Code Section 40-2-20, relating to registration and license requirements, certificate of1253
registration and temporary operating permit, and two-year registration option for new motor1254
vehicles, in subsection (d), by inserting a comma following "taxes".1255
(3) Code Section 40-5-100, relating to application, contents of card, prohibition on1256
possession of more than one card, and optional contributions to and participation in voluntary1257
S. B. 153
- 49 - 25 LC 39 4444
programs, in paragraph (f)(2), by replacing "a identification card" with "an identification
1258
card".1259
(4) Code Section 40-14-18, relating to enforcement of speed limit in school zones with1260
recorded images, civil monetary penalty, and consequences for failure to pay penalty, in the1261
introductory language of subsection (h), by inserting "of this Code section" following1262
"subsection (g)".1263
(5) Code Section 40-16-8, which is reserved, by designating said Code section as repealed.1264
SECTION 41.1265
Reserved.1266
SECTION 42.1267
Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to penal institutions, is amended1268
in:1269
(1) Code Section 42-1-12, relating to the State Sexual Offender Registry, in1270
paragraph (a)(6.1), by replacing "paragraph (2)" with "paragraph (3)".1271
(2) Code Section 42-5-64, relating to educational programming and information provided1272
to released prisoners, in subsection (f), by replacing "a personal identification card" with "an1273
identification card".1274
SECTION 43.1275
Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses,1276
is amended in:1277
(1) Code Section 43-1-34, relating to licenses for transitioning members of the armed forces,1278
in the introductory language of paragraph (d)(1), by replacing "described herein," with "set1279
forth in this Code section,".1280
S. B. 153
- 50 - 25 LC 39 4444
(2) Code Section 43-1-35, relating to expedited license by endorsement for spouses of active
1281
or transitioning members of the armed forces and license by endorsement for certain1282
professions, in the introductory language of subsection (c), by replacing "or a law" with "or1283
law" and by replacing "individual has:" with "individual:".1284
(3) Code Section 43-6-11, relating to qualifications of applicants for auctioneer's license, in1285
subsection (d), by inserting "diploma" following "(HSE)".1286
(4) Code Section 43-11-2.1, relating to board authority, appointment, powers, and duties of1287
executive director and meetings, in subsection (b), by replacing "Chapter 1 of Title 43" with1288
"Chapter 1 of this title".1289
(5) Code Section 43-15-2, relating to definitions regarding professional engineers and land1290
surveyors, in paragraph (5.1), by replacing "'Executive Director'" with "'Executive director'".1291
(6) Code Section 43-24A-19, relating to exceptions regarding the "Georgia Massage1292
Therapy Practice Act," in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Title 43" with "this title".1293
(7) Code Section 43-26-10, relating to practicing without a license prohibited, in1294
paragraph (4), by replacing "so to practice" with "to practice".1295
(8) Code Section 43-27-2, relating to State Board of Long-Term Care Facility1296
Administrators and members, in the introductory language of subsection (a), by replacing1297
"eleven" with "11".1298
(9) Code Section 43-28-21, relating to text of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact,1299
in Section 2A, by replacing "10 U.S.C. Chapter 1209 and Section 1211" with "10 U.S.C.1300
Chapters 1209 and 1211".1301
(10) Code Section 43-33-18, relating to refusal to grant or restore licenses, discipline of1302
licensees, suspension, revocation, or restriction of licenses, and immunity for violation1303
reporters, in the introductory language of subparagraph (a)(2)(A), division (a)(2)(A)(i), and1304
subparagraph (a)(2)(E), by replacing "Title 43" with "this title" each time the term appears.1305
S. B. 153
- 51 - 25 LC 39 4444
(11) Code Section 43-33-31, relating to ratification and text of the Physical Therapy
1306
Licensure Compact, in Section 2(1), by replacing "10 U.S.C. Section 1209 and 1211" with1307
"10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211".1308
(12) Code Section 43-34-25, relating to delegation of certain medical acts to advanced1309
practice registered nurse, construction and limitations of such delegation, conditions of nurse1310
protocol, and issuance of prescription drug orders, in paragraph (g)(10), by replacing "and1311
who" with "who", in paragraph (g.1)(2), by deleting the comma following "body", and in1312
subparagraph (m)(2)(C), by deleting "that".1313
(13) Code Section 43-34-103, relating to application for licensure as a physician assistant,1314
authorized delegated authority, and prohibited acts, in paragraph (c)(4), by deleting "that".1315
(14) Code Section 43-34-290, relating to confidentiality of records regarding pain1316
management clinics, by replacing "Chapter 34 of Title 43" with "this chapter".1317
(15) Code Section 43-41-8, relating to eligibility for licensure without examination,1318
reciprocity, and burden upon applicant, in paragraph (a)(2), by replacing "their" with "his or1319
her".1320
(16) Code Section 43-41-18, relating to certain military specialties or certifications entitle1321
persons to obtain certain professional licenses, in subsections (b) and (c), by replacing1322
"residential light-commercial" with "residential-light commercial" each time the phrase1323
appears.1324
(17) Chapters 42 and 48, which are repealed, by designating said chapters as reserved.1325
(18) Code Section 43-44-31, relating to text of the Audiology and Speech-Language1326
Pathology Interstate Compact, in Section 2(1), by replacing "10 U.S.C. Section 1209 and1327
1211" with "10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211".1328
(19) Code Section 43-50-44, relating to exemptions from article regarding licensing of1329
veterinarians and veterinary technicians, in paragraph (19), by replacing "laws;" with "laws;1330
or".1331
S. B. 153
- 52 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 44.
1332
Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property, is amended in:1333
(1) Code Section 44-2-39, relating to adoption of rules and regulations and standardization,1334
in paragraph (b)(1), by replacing "personal identification card" with "identification card".1335
(2) Code Section 44-3-106, relating to powers and responsibilities of condominium1336
associations and tort actions, in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "complied with or" with1337
"complied with; or".1338
(3) Code Section 44-3-230, relating to frequency of meetings and notice regarding property1339
owners' associations, in subsection (b), by replacing "may called" with "may be called".1340
(4) Code Section 44-3-231, relating to powers and duties of property owners' associations1341
and legal actions against agent or employee of association, in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing1342
"compiled with or" with "complied with; or".1343
(5) Code Section 44-5-60, relating to effect of zoning laws, covenants and scenic easements1344
for use of public, renewal of certain covenants, and costs, in subsection (b), by replacing1345
"provided, however, that" with "provided, however, that," and in paragraph (d)(6), by1346
replacing "15 individuals plots" with "15 individual plots".1347
(6) Code Section 44-7-55, relating to judgment, writ of possession, landlord's liability for1348
wrongful conduct, distribution of funds paid into court, and personal property, by revising1349
subsection (e) as follows:1350
"(e) Nothing in this Code section shall require a sheriff, constable, or marshal to execute1351
a writ of possession within 30 days from the issuance of any order granting a writ of1352
possession, or the issuance, application, or request for the execution of the writ of1353
possession; provided, however, that,
in the event the sheriff, sheriff deputy sheriff,1354
constable, or marshal is unable to execute the writ within 14 days from the landlord's1355
application or request for such execution, the landlord shall be entitled to utilize the1356
services of an off-duty sheriff, sheriff deputy sheriff, constable, marshal, or other individual1357
certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council having authority1358
S. B. 153
- 53 - 25 LC 39 4444
within the jurisdiction wherein the premises lie to execute such writ at the landlord's sole
1359
cost and expense. The sheriff, sheriff
deputy sheriff, constable, or marshal shall maintain1360
a list of authorized off-duty sheriffs, sheriff deputies deputy sheriffs, constables, marshals,1361
and other individuals certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training1362
Council and make the same available upon request by the landlord. The sheriff, sheriff1363
deputy sheriff, constable, or marshal shall maintain administrative authority over any1364
persons executing writs under this subsection. The landlord shall provide written notice1365
to the sheriff, sheriff deputy sheriff, constable, or marshal of the date and time of the1366
execution of the writ by such off-duty sheriff, sheriff deputy sheriff, constable, marshal,1367
or other individuals individual certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and1368
Training Council at least five calendar days in advance of such execution in order to permit1369
the sheriff, sheriff deputy sheriff, constable, or marshal to note the same within their his or1370
her own records."1371
(7) Code Section 44-11-30, relating to manner of ejecting intruders, affidavit, ejection by1372
sheriff and other peace officers, and counteraffidavit, by replacing "sheriff deputy," with1373
"deputy sheriff," each time the term appears.1374
(8) Code Section 43-11-31, relating to sheriff and other peace officers competent to1375
administer oath to person in possession, by replacing "sheriff deputy," with "deputy sheriff,".1376
(9) Code Section 44-11-32, relating to procedure on submission of counteraffidavit, trial,1377
nonmeritorious submission, and appeal, by deleting the subsection (a) designation and in1378
paragraphs (1) and (2), by replacing "sheriff deputy," with "deputy sheriff," each time the1379
term appears.1380
(10) Code Section 44-11-33, relating to issuance of writ of possession, fi. fa. for costs, and1381
presentation to law enforcement, by replacing "44-11-32, finds" with "44-11-32 finds".1382
(11) Code Section 44-12-231, relating to enforcement of article regarding disposition of1383
unclaimed property and properties not paid over on a timely basis, in subsection (b), by1384
replacing "48-3-1" with "48-3-3".1385
S. B. 153
- 54 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 45.
1386
Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public officers and employees,1387
is amended in:1388
(1) Code Section 45-9-81, relating to definitions regarding the Georgia State Indemnification1389
Fund, in paragraph (1), by repealing and reserving said paragraph.1390
(2) Code Section 45-17-8, relating to powers and duties generally of notaries public, in1391
subsection (e), by replacing "personal identification card" with "identification card".1392
(3) Code Section 45-19-44, relating to unlawful practices punishable by civil fine, at the end1393
of the introductory language of paragraph (a)(5), by replacing the semicolon with a colon.1394
SECTION 46.1395
Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public utilities and public1396
transportation, is amended in:1397
(1) Code Section 46-2-8, relating to payment of salaries and expenses by commission,1398
appropriations for salaries and expenses, and designation of Public Service Commission1399
Fund, by replacing "for Commissioners," with "for the Commissioners,".1400
(2) Code Section 46-2-23.1, relating to "alternative form of regulation" defined, filing,1401
notice, approval, and release of interstate pipeline capacity, in subparagraph (i)(1)(C), by1402
replacing "that if" with "that, if".1403
(3) Code Section 46-2-26.3, relating to recovery of costs of conversion from oil-burning to1404
coal-burning generating facility, filing of request, public hearing, determination of rate, and1405
adjustments, in subsection (a), by replacing "Public Service Commission" with "commission"1406
and by revising subsection (b) as follows:1407
"(b) As used in this Code section, the term
For the purposes of this Code section, the1408
following words or terms shall have the following meanings:1409
(1) 'Coal' shall mean means coal used as a primary energy source.1410
(2) 'Commission' shall mean the Georgia Public Service Commission.1411
S. B. 153
- 55 - 25 LC 39 4444
(3)(2)(A) 'Cost of conversion' shall mean means costs as determined by the1412
commission to be reasonable and necessary for the conversion of an oil-burning electric1413
generating facility to the burning of coal. Such costs shall include, but not be limited1414
to, engineering, administrative, and legal costs,; the cost of environmental studies and1415
control equipment, coal-handling and storage equipment, including rail facilities,1416
equipment and facilities necessary to permit the combustion of coal,; the cost of1417
retrofitting or refurbishing boilers to permit the combustion of coal,; the cost of on-site1418
and off-site facilities for handling, storing, and disposing of wastes resulting from the1419
combustion of coal,; and the cost of all other facilities reasonable and necessary to1420
allow the conversion of an oil-burning electric generating facility to burn coal. Such1421
costs shall also include the reasonable cost of capital for such conversion and for1422
carrying the cost of such conversion until such costs are recovered as provided in this1423
Code section. In no case shall cost of conversion such term include any costs incurred1424
pursuant to an expansion of an electric generating facility's generating capacity above1425
the generating capacity of said facility that existed prior to the conversion from oil to1426
coal.1427
(B) Such term 'Cost of conversion' shall not include the amount financed by the1428
company through tax-exempt pollution control bonds, if any, of any portion of the1429
project certified by the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural1430
Resources, or other agency vested with similar authority, to be a pollution control1431
facility and therefore eligible for financing under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue1432
Code and the regulations thereunder or other similar law or regulation now or hereafter1433
adopted.1434
(4)(3) 'Fuel cost savings' shall mean means the amount of fuel savings to be obtained by1435
operating the facility converted from oil to coal-fired operation during the facility's first1436
full 12 months of operation using coal as its primary fuel as compared to the operation1437
of such facility on oil, had it been so operated, during the same 12 month period.1438
S. B. 153
- 56 - 25 LC 39 4444
(5)(4) 'Utility' shall mean means any retail supplier of electricity subject to the1439
rate-making jurisdiction of the commission."1440
(4) Code Section 46-2-26.5, relating to gas supply plans and adjustment factors, filings and1441
hearing procedures, and recovery of purchase gas cost, by deleting paragraph (a)(2) and1442
redesignating paragraphs (a)(3) through (a)(8) as paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(7),1443
respectively.1444
(5) Code Section 46-2-28, relating to procedure for issuance of stocks, bonds, notes, or other1445
debt by companies under commission's jurisdiction and exemptions, in the introductory1446
language of subsection (g), by deleting "paragraph (10) of".1447
(6) Code Section 46-3-1, relating to the short title regarding allocation of territorial rights1448
to electric suppliers, by inserting "and may be cited" following "known".1449
(7) Code Section 46-3-3, relating to definitions regarding allocation of territorial rights to1450
electric suppliers, in paragraph (2), by replacing "has the meaning provided by paragraph (3)1451
of" with "shall have the same meaning as set forth in".1452
(8) Code Section 46-3-4, relating to assignment or declaration as unassigned areas-B of1453
geographic areas outside municipal limits as of March 29, 1973, in paragraph (3), by1454
replacing "provided that if" with "provided that, if" and by replacing "however, that" with1455
"however, that,".1456
(9) Code Section 46-3-7, relating to assignment and unassignment of geographic areas1457
annexed to municipalities after March 29, 1973, in subparagraphs (2)(A) and (2)(D), by1458
replacing "provided that" with "provided that,".1459
(10) Code Section 46-3-32, relating to definitions regarding high-voltage safety, in1460
paragraph (3), by replacing "this term" with "such term".1461
(11) Code Section 46-3-33, relating to required conditions for commencing work within ten1462
feet of high-voltage line, in the introductory language, by deleting "as defined in1463
paragraph (6) of Code Section 46-3-32".1464
S. B. 153
- 57 - 25 LC 39 4444
(12) Code Section 46-3-52, relating to jurisdiction of commission over cogeneration facility
1465
the energy from which is used solely by operator, by deleting paragraph (3) and1466
redesignating paragraphs (4) through (12) as paragraphs (3) through (11), respectively.1467
(13) Code Section 46-3-62, relating to definitions regarding solar power free-market1468
financing, in paragraph (5), by replacing "has the same meaning as provided in paragraph (3)1469
of" with "shall have the same meaning as set forth in" and in paragraph (9), by replacing "has1470
the same meaning as provided in paragraph (6) of" with "shall have the same meaning as set1471
forth in".1472
(14) Code Section 46-3-66, relating to construction and applicability, in subsections (d) and1473
(e), by replacing "the effective date of this part" with "July 1, 2015,".1474
(15) Code Section 46-3-115, relating terms of authority members generally and time of1475
meeting of election committee prior to annual meeting of authority, by replacing "provided1476
that" with "provided that,".1477
(16) Code Section 46-3-120, relating to quorum of authority, action by majority vote, and1478
adjournment of meetings at which less than a majority is present, by replacing "provided1479
that" with "provided that,".1480
(17) Code Section 46-3-170, relating to short title regarding general provisions relative to1481
electric membership corporations and foreign electric cooperatives, by replacing "article1482
may" with "article shall be known and may".1483
(18) Code Section 46-3-263, relating to notice of members' meetings, in subsection (a), by1484
replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1485
(19) Code Section 46-3-322, relating to filing articles of incorporation, issuance of1486
certificate of incorporation, forwarding of copy of certificate to clerk of superior court,1487
rejection of articles of incorporation, publication of notice, and commencement of corporate1488
existence, in paragraph (e)(1), by inserting quotation marks at the beginning and end of the1489
form, and by revising paragraph (c)(4) as follows:1490
S. B. 153
- 58 - 25 LC 39 4444
"(4) A letter addressed to the publisher of a newspaper which is the official organ of the
1491
county where the initial registered office of the electric membership corporation is to be1492
located or which is a newspaper of general circulation published within that county1493
whose most recently published annual statement of ownership and circulation reflects a1494
minimum of 60 percent paid circulation. This letter shall contain a notice to be published1495
four times in the newspaper and shall be in substantially the following form: 1496
'_______________________________________
1497
_______________________________________1498
_______________________________________1499
(name and address of the newspaper designated1500
by the incorporator or incorporators or1501
his or their representative thereof)1502
Dear Sirs:1503
You are requested to publish, four times, a notice in the following form:1504
'"_____________________ (name of electric membership corporation) has been duly1505
incorporated on _____________________ (month, day, and year to be inserted by the1506
Secretary of State), by the issuance of a certificate of incorporation by the Secretary1507
of State in accordance with the applicable provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title1508
46, the "'Georgia Electric Membership Corporation Act."' The initial registered office1509
of the electric membership corporation is located at _____________________1510
(address of registered office) and its initial registered agent at such address is1511
______________________ (name of agent).'"1512
Enclosed is a (check, draft, or money order) in the amount of $60.00 in payment of the1513
costs of publishing this notice.1514
Very truly yours, 1515
S. B. 153
- 59 - 25 LC 39 4444
____________________________________ 1516
____________________________________ 1517
____________________________________ 1518
(Name and address of incorporator or 1519
incorporators or his or their representative thereof)'"1520
(20) Code Section 46-3-363, relating to obtaining of certificate from Secretary of State upon1521
amendment of name of electric membership corporation, filing articles of amendment,1522
issuance of certificate of amendment, forwarding of copy of certificate to superior court,1523
rejection of articles of amendment, and publication of notice, by revising paragraph (c)(4)1524
as follows:1525
"(4) A letter addressed to the publisher of a newspaper which is the official organ of the1526
county where the registered office of the electric membership corporation is located or1527
which is a newspaper of general circulation published within that county whose most1528
recently published annual statement of ownership and circulation reflects a minimum of1529
60 percent paid circulation. This letter shall contain a notice to be published four times1530
in the newspaper and shall be in substantially the following form:1531
'_______________________________1532
_______________________________1533
_______________________________1534
(Name and address of the newspaper 1535
designated by the electric 1536
membership corporation)1537
Dear Sirs:1538
You are requested to publish, four times, a notice in the following form:1539
'"The Articles of Incorporation of ______________________ (name of electric1540
membership corporation) have been duly amended on ______________, ____1541
S. B. 153
- 60 - 25 LC 39 4444
(month, day, and year to be inserted by the Secretary of State), by the issuance of a
1542
certificate of amendment by the Secretary of State, in accordance with the applicable1543
provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 46, the "
'Georgia Electric Membership1544
Corporation Act."'"1545
Enclosed is a (check, draft, or money order) in the amount of $60.00 in payment of the1546
cost of publishing this notice.1547
Very truly yours,1548
___________________________ 1549
___________________________ 1550
___________________________ 1551
(Name and address of the electric 1552
membership corporation 1553
or its representative)'" 1554
(21) Code Section 46-3-383, relating to contents of articles of merger or articles of1555
consolidation, obtaining of certificate from Secretary of State upon use of new name, and1556
procedures involving filing, issuance, rejection, and publication of articles of merger or1557
articles of consolidation, by revising paragraph (d)(4) as follows:1558
"(4) A letter addressed to the publisher of a newspaper which is the official organ of the1559
county where the registered office of the surviving or new electric membership1560
corporation is to be located or which is a newspaper of general circulation published1561
within that county whose most recently published annual statement of ownership and1562
circulation reflects a minimum of 60 percent paid circulation. This letter shall contain1563
a notice to be published four times in the newspaper and shall be in substantially the1564
following form:1565
'_______________________________________1566
_______________________________________1567
S. B. 153
- 61 - 25 LC 39 4444
_______________________________________1568
(name and address of the newspaper designated1569
by the merging or consolidating1570
electric membership corporations)1571
Dear Sirs:1572
You are requested to publish, four times, a notice in the following form:1573
'"A (merger) (consolidation) (has been) (will be) effected by and between1574
_______________________ (name and state of incorporation of each of the1575
constituent electric membership corporations) on _______________________1576
(month, day, and year to be inserted by the Secretary of State) by the issuance of a1577
certificate of (merger) (consolidation) by the Secretary of State, in accordance with1578
the applicable provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 46, the "'Georgia Electric1579
Membership Corporation Act."' The name of the (surviving electric membership1580
corporation in the merger) (new electric membership corporation resulting from the1581
consolidation) (is) (will be) _______________________ (set forth the name and state1582
of incorporation of the surviving electric membership corporation or new electric1583
membership corporation, as the case may be), the registered office of which (is) (will1584
be) located at _______________________ (address of registered office).'"1585
Enclosed is a (check, draft, or money order) in the amount of $60.00 in payment of the1586
cost of publishing this notice.1587
Very truly yours,1588
____________________________ 1589
____________________________ 1590
S. B. 153
- 62 - 25 LC 39 4444
____________________________ 1591
(Name and address of merging 1592
or consolidating electric 1593
membership corporations 1594
or their representative)'" 1595
(22) Code Section 46-3-423, relating to procedure after filing statement of intent to dissolve,1596
by revising subsection (a) as follows:1597
"(a) The electric membership corporation shall immediately cause notice of its intent to1598
dissolve to be published in a newspaper which is the official organ of the county where the1599
registered office of the electric membership corporation is located or which is a newspaper1600
of general circulation published within that county whose most recently published annual1601
statement of ownership and circulation reflects a minimum of 60 percent paid circulation. 1602
This notice shall be published four times in the newspaper and shall be in substantially the1603
following form:1604
'A Statement of Intent to Dissolve _____________________ (name of electric1605
membership corporation), a Georgia electric membership corporation with registered1606
office at _____________________ (address of registered office), has been delivered to1607
the Secretary of State by said electric membership corporation and filed by him on1608
______________, ____ (month, day, and year), in accordance with the applicable1609
provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 46, the '"Georgia Electric Membership1610
Corporation Act."'"1611
(23) Code Section 46-3-468, relating to application for reinstatement of certificate of1612
authority, by revising subsection (c) as follows:1613
"(c) The application for reinstatement shall be in substantially the following form: 1614
'Application for Reinstatement of1615
Certificate of Authority1616
S. B. 153
- 63 - 25 LC 39 4444
To: The Secretary of State
1617
Atlanta, Georgia1618
Pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 46-3-468, the undersigned foreign electric1619
cooperative hereby applies for a certificate of reinstatement of a foreign electric1620
cooperative and, for that purpose, submits the following:1621
First: The name of the foreign electric cooperative at the date of the certificate of1622
revocation was _______________________.1623
Second: The new name by which the foreign electric cooperative will hereafter be1624
known is _______________________.1625
Third: The certificate of authority to transact business in the State of Georgia was1626
revoked on ______________ for failure to follow the requirements stated in Code1627
Section 46-3-466.1628
Fourth: The address, including street and number, of its registered office in Georgia is1629
_______________________; and the name of its registered agent in Georgia at that1630
address is _______________________.1631
Fifth: The application is accompanied by all delinquent reports together with the filing1632
fees and penalties required by Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 46, the '
"Georgia Electric1633
Membership Corporation Act.'"1634
Date ______________, ____.1635
__________________________ 1636
(President or vice-president) 1637
__________________________ 1638
(Secretary or assistant secretary)'"1639
S. B. 153
- 64 - 25 LC 39 4444
(24) Code Section 46-3-480, relating to requirement of annual reports by electric
1640
membership corporation and foreign electric cooperative, in subsection (b), by replacing1641
"however," with "provided, however, that".1642
(25) Code Section 46-3A-1, relating to definitions regarding integrated resource planning,1643
in the introductory language, by replacing "chapter:" with "chapter, the term:" and by1644
deleting paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (2)1645
through (8), respectively.1646
(26) Code Section 46-3A-3, relating to actions prohibited without a certificate of public1647
convenience and necessity, in the undesignated text at the end of subsection (b), by replacing1648
"however," with "however, that".1649
(27) Code Section 46-3A-10, relating to effect on rates of changed revenues and risks and1650
basis and effect of commission decision, by replacing "however," with "however, that".1651
(28) Code Section 46-4-85, relating to authority members and terms of office, by replacing1652
"provided that" with "provided that,".1653
(29) Code Section 46-4-90, relating to quorum and majority vote, by replacing "provided1654
that" with "provided that,".1655
(30) Code Section 46-4-152, relating to definitions regarding natural gas competition and1656
deregulation, in paragraph (5), by replacing "The term control" with "Such term" and in1657
paragraph (10.1), by replacing "defined" with "described".1658
(31) Code Section 46-4-154, relating to notice of election, unbundling, rates, application1659
requirements, and surcharge on interruptibles, in subsection (e), by replacing "medicare" with1660
"Medicare" and by replacing "writeoffs" with "write-offs".1661
(32) Code Section 46-4-158.2, relating to rules governing marketer's terms of service, in1662
paragraph (8), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1663
(33) Code Section 46-4-159, relating to standards of conduct for electing distribution1664
companies and response to complaints, in paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "The term control"1665
S. B. 153
- 65 - 25 LC 39 4444
with "Such term", in subparagraph (a)(3)(B), by replacing "the term marketer" with "such
1666
term", and in paragraph (b)(9), by replacing "however," with "provided, however, that".1667
(34) Code Section 46-4-160, relating to commission's authority over certificated marketers,1668
access to records, investigations and hearings, price summary, billing, violations, and1669
slamming, in subsection (j), by replacing "phrase" with "term".1670
(35) Code Section 46-5-1, relating to exercise of power of eminent domain by telephone1671
companies, placement of posts and other fixtures, regulation of construction of fixtures,1672
posts, and wires near railroad tracks, liability of telephone companies for damages, required1673
information, and due compensation, in subparagraph (b)(1)(B) and paragraph (b)(7), by1674
replacing "Georgia Public Service Commission" with "commission", in the introductory1675
language of paragraph (b)(9), by replacing "Code section," with "Code section, the term", in1676
paragraph (b)(12), by replacing "As used in this Code section," with "As used in this Code1677
section, the term" and by replacing "however, that if" with "however, that, if", in1678
paragraph (b)(13), by replacing "ten percent" with "10 percent", and in1679
subparagraph (b)(19)(A), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1680
(36) Code Section 46-5-2, relating to avoiding or attempting to avoid charges for use of1681
telecommunication service, penalties, and computation of damages, in paragraph (b)(1), by1682
replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1683
(37) Code Section 46-5-3, relating to making, possessing, selling, allowing use of, or1684
publishing assembly plans for devices, equipment, or apparatus for committing theft of1685
telecommunications service, or for concealing origin or destination of any1686
telecommunication and compensatory damages, in paragraph (a)(3), by replacing "The term"1687
with "Such term" and in paragraph (c)(1), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1688
(38) Code Section 46-5-5, relating to inclusion of local exchanges 495 and 567 in area1689
code 404, by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1690
S. B. 153
- 66 - 25 LC 39 4444
(39) Code Section 46-5-26, relating to access to live telephone operator, in subsection (a),
1691
by replacing "For the purpose of this Code section," with "As used in this Code section, the1692
term" and by replacing "dials '0'." with "dials '0.'"1693
(40) Code Section 46-5-27, relating to telephone solicitation calls and do not call database,1694
in subparagraph (b)(3)(B), by deleting "or" at the end and in subsection (n), by replacing1695
"voice over internet protocol" with "Voice over Internet Protocol".1696
(41) Code Section 46-5-28, relating to consent required for inclusion of subscribers' names1697
or dialing numbers in a wireless telephone data base or a traditional telephone directory,1698
exceptions, disclosure of wireless numbers to telemarketers prohibited, violations, and1699
immunity of service suppliers for authorized disclosures, in paragraph (a)(3), by replacing1700
"The term" with "Such term".1701
(42) Code Section 46-5-30, relating to establishment, administration, and operation of1702
state-wide dual party relay service and audible universal information access service, in1703
subsection (c), by replacing "basis; however," with "basis; provided, however, that".1704
(43) Code Section 46-5-60, relating to short title regarding rural telephone cooperatives, by1705
replacing "part may" with "part shall be known and may".1706
(44) Code Section 46-5-62, relating to definitions regarding rural telephone cooperatives,1707
in paragraph (5), by replacing "This term" with "Such term".1708
(45) Code Section 46-5-63, relating to powers of cooperatives generally, in paragraph (4.1),1709
by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1710
(46) Code Section 46-5-75, relating to certificate of Secretary of State, by inserting quotation1711
marks at the beginning and end of the form.1712
(47) Code Section 46-5-93, relating to pledging or encumbering of property, assets, rights,1713
and privileges of cooperative by board of directors to secure indebtedness to federal1714
government, tax exemption for mortgages and deeds of trust, and sale, pledge, or1715
encumbrance of property, in subsection (b), by replacing "provided that" with "provided1716
that,".1717
S. B. 153
- 67 - 25 LC 39 4444
(48) Code Section 46-5-122, relating to definitions regarding emergency telephone number
1718
9-1-1 system, in paragraph (5), by replacing "The term 'emergency 9-1-1 system'" with "Such1719
term", in paragraph (7), by replacing "Georgia Public Service Commission" with1720
"commission" and by replacing "The term 'exchange access facility'" with "Such term", in1721
the undesignated text at the end of paragraph (12.1), by replacing "Internet" with "internet",1722
in paragraph (17.1), by replacing "over the Internet" with "over the internet" and by replacing1723
"Internet protocol" with "Internet Protocol", and in paragraph (19), by replacing "The term"1724
with "Such term" each time the phrase appears.1725
(49) Code Section 46-5-134.2, relating to prepaid wireless 9-1-1 charge, definitions,1726
imposition of fee by localities, collection and remission of charges, and distribution of funds,1727
in paragraph (g)(3), by replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in".1728
(50) Code Section 46-5-162, relating to definitions regarding telecommunications and1729
competition development, in the introductory language of paragraph (10), by replacing "For1730
purposes of this article, there" with "There" and in paragraph (18), by replacing "For1731
purposes of illustration, the term 'telecommunications services'" with "Such term".1732
(51) Code Section 46-5-163, relating to certificates of authority, in subsection (f), by1733
replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1734
(52) Code Section 46-5-165, relating to alternative regulation of rates, terms, and conditions,1735
in subsection (a), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1736
(53) Code Section 46-5-167, relating to Universal Access Fund, in paragraph (d)(1), by1737
replacing "For purposes of" with "As used in" and in subsection (g), by replacing "Public1738
Service Commission" with "commission".1739
(54) Code Section 46-5-181, relating to definitions regarding the "Telecommunications1740
Marketing Act of 1998," by revising said Code section as follows:1741
"46-5-181.1742
As used in this article, the terms 'local exchange company,' 'telecommunications company,'
1743
and 'telecommunications services' shall have the same meaning as provided in Code1744
S. B. 153
- 68 - 25 LC 39 4444
Section 46-5-162; the term 'local exchange carrier' shall have the same meaning as 'local1745
exchange company'; and the term 'long distance service' shall include interexchange1746
inter-LATA telecommunications service and interexchange intra-LATA1747
telecommunications service term:1748
(1) 'Local exchange carrier' shall have the same meaning as the term 'local exchange1749
company.'1750
(2) 'Local exchange company' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code1751
Section 46-5-162.1752
(3) 'Long distance service' includes interexchange inter-LATA telecommunications1753
service and interexchange intra-LATA telecommunications service.1754
(4) 'Telecommunications company' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code1755
Section 46-5-162.1756
(5) 'Telecommunications services' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code1757
Section 46-5-162."1758
(55) Code Section 46-5-221, relating to definitions regarding competitive emerging1759
communications technologies, in subparagraph (1)(A), by replacing "Internet;" with1760
"internet;", in the undesignated text at the end of paragraph (1), by replacing "For the1761
purposes of this article, broadband service" with "Such term", and in paragraph (2), by1762
replacing "Internet protocol" with "internet protocol".1763
(56) Code Section 46-8-20, relating to exclusive power of commission to determine just and1764
reasonable rates and charges, establishing rates and tariffs generally, and locating of depots1765
and construction of freight and passenger buildings, in paragraph (b)(4), by replacing1766
"provided that" with "provided that,".1767
(57) Code Section 46-8-42, relating to certificate of incorporation, duration of corporate1768
existence, and fee for issuance of certificate, in subsection (a), by inserting quotation marks1769
at the beginning and end of the form.1770
S. B. 153
- 69 - 25 LC 39 4444
(58) Code Section 46-8-100, relating to general powers regarding powers of railroad
1771
companies generally, in paragraph (3), by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1772
(59) Code Section 46-8-291, relating to consent and contributory negligence as defenses and1773
comparative negligence as affecting amount of recovery, by replacing "provided that" with1774
"provided that,".1775
(60) Code Section 46-8-312, relating to service of process on lessor railroad company,1776
generally, by replacing "however, that" with "however, that,".1777
(61) Code Section 46-8-339, relating to authority of street, suburban, and interurban railroad1778
companies to furnish steam for heating and power purposes and to lay and maintain1779
steampipes, by replacing "provided that" with "provided that,".1780
(62) Code Section 46-9-42, relating to effect of strike by carrier's employees on carrier's1781
duty to transport goods, by replacing "provided that" with "provided that,".1782
(63) Code Section 46-9-48, relating to adjustment and payment by common carriers of1783
claims for loss of property or overcharge for freight and effect of failure by common carrier1784
to adjust and pay claim, by replacing "provided that" with "provided that,".1785
(64) Code Section 46-9-50, relating to weighing of railroad cars by certified public weighers1786
and manner of weighing cars, in subsection (b), by replacing "provided that when" with1787
"provided that, when".1788
(65) Code Section 46-9-138, relating to granting of annual passes by common carriers to1789
sheriffs and their deputies, by replacing "provided that the term 'sheriffs and their lawful1790
deputies,' as used in this Code section, means" with "provided that, as used in this Code1791
section, the term 'sheriffs and their lawful deputies' means".1792
(66) Code Section 46-9-212, relating to switching off and delivering to connecting roads all1793
cars consigned to points over or beyond the connecting roads, in subsection (b), by replacing1794
"provided that" with "provided that,".1795
(67) Code Section 46-9-230, relating to manner of incorporation of express companies, by1796
inserting quotation marks at the beginning and end of the certificate form.1797
S. B. 153
- 70 - 25 LC 39 4444
(68) Code Section 46-9-290, relating to Designated Georgia Rail Passenger Corridors, in
1798
paragraph (b)(2), by replacing "For the purposes of this subsection, 'high speed rail' is1799
defined as involving" with "As used in this subsection, the term 'high speed rail' means".1800
(69) Chapters 10 and 11, which are reserved, by designating said chapters as repealed.1801
(70) The following Code sections, by replacing "Public Service Commission" and "Georgia1802
Public Service Commission" with "commission" each time the term appears:1803
(A) Code Section 46-1-2, relating to measure of damages for wrongs and injuries by1804
railroad companies generally and venue for actions against railroad companies and electric1805
companies generally;1806
(B) Code Section 46-2-10, relating to payment of special fee by corporations and utilities1807
subject to jurisdiction of commission, notice of amount due, and procedure on default;1808
(C) Code Section 46-2-25.2, relating to sixteen-mile toll-free telephone calling,1809
modification of rate schedules, recovery of expenses or lost revenues by telephone1810
companies, and rate-making power of Public Service Commission not affected;1811
(D) Code Section 46-2-25.3, relating to toll-free calls within 22 miles of exchange,1812
hearings, and "net gain" defined;1813
(E) Code Section 46-3-152, relating to jurisdiction of commission over rates, services, and1814
practices of authority;1815
(F) Code Section 46-4-53, relating to application to commission by gas utility for order1816
approving utilization or operation of underground reservoir, hearing on application1817
generally, and giving notice of hearing;1818
(G) Code Section 46-4-54, relating to investigation by state geologist of site of proposed1819
storage project, procedures involving state geologist, investigation of proposed storage1820
project by director of Environmental Protection Division, procedures involving director,1821
and investigation of proposed storage project by commission;1822
(H) Code Section 46-4-60, relating to adoption by Board of Natural Resources of rules and1823
regulations governing construction, installation, utilization, and operation of underground1824
S. B. 153
- 71 - 25 LC 39 4444
reservoirs and stations, wells, fixtures, and other facilities, enforcement of rules and
1825
regulations, and inspection and examination;1826
(I) Code Section 46-4-122, relating to exemption from regulation by Public Service1827
Commission;1828
(J) Code Section 46-4A-12, relating to construction of chapter regarding provision of1829
energy conservation assistance to residential customers by electric and gas utilities;1830
(K) Code Section 46-5-6, relating to exclusive power and authority of the Public Service1831
Commission to prescribe rules and regulations regarding public pay telephones;1832
(L) Code Section 46-5-41, relating to obtaining of certificate of public convenience and1833
necessity for construction, operation, acquisition, or extension of telephone lines, plants,1834
or systems;1835
(M) Code Section 46-5-124, relating to guidelines for implementing a state-wide1836
emergency 9-1-1 system and training and equipment standards;1837
(N) Code Section 46-5-126, relating to cooperation by commission and telephone industry;1838
(O) Code Section 46-5-137, relating to powers of Public Service Commission not affected;1839
(P) Code Section 46-5-182, relating to certification of telecommunications companies1840
which bill for or solicit intrastate telecommunications services;1841
(Q) Code Section 46-5-211, relating to consent of end user required for release of1842
telephone records and law enforcement exception;1843
(R) Code Section 46-5-213, relating to circumstances to which this article not applicable1844
regarding disclosure of certain customer information;1845
(S) Code Section 46-5-222, relating to commission has no authority over setting of rates1846
or terms and conditions for the offering of broadband service, voice over Internet protocol,1847
or wireless service and limitations;1848
(T) Code Section 46-8-73, relating to contents of petition for dissolution, certification1849
resolution recommending dissolution, attachment of resolution to petition, verification of1850
petition, and fee for filing petition;1851
S. B. 153
- 72 - 25 LC 39 4444
(U) Code Section 46-8-75, relating to transfer of copy of petition from Secretary of State
1852
to commission;1853
(V) Code Section 46-8-78, relating to order of Secretary of State accepting surrender of1854
charter and franchises and dissolving corporation and recording of petition, certificate of1855
approval, certificate of publication, and order by Secretary of State;1856
(W) Code Section 46-8-196, relating to use of standard signs for highway crossings and1857
for advertising or other purposes, mutilation, destruction, and defacement of standard signs,1858
and removal of unauthorized signs by county authorities; and1859
(X) Code Section 46-8A-2, relating to line or system permit required regarding rapid rail1860
passenger service.1861
SECTION 47.1862
Reserved.1863
SECTION 48.1864
Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation, is1865
amended in:1866
(1) Code Section 48-5-7.6, relating to preferential assessment for brownfield property, in1867
division (h)(1)(B)(iii), by redesignating the second subdivision (II) as subdivision (III).1868
(2) Code Section 48-5-28, relating to priority of taxes over other claims and superiority of1869
security deed, in subsection (a), by replacing "Code Section 53-7-91," with "Code1870
Section 53-7-40,".1871
(3) Code Section 48-5-164, relating to duties of successor tax collector or tax commissioner1872
as to performing uncompleted duties of outgoing collector or commissioner, distribution of1873
commissions, and liability, by revising subsection (b) as follows:1874
"(b)(1)
Each tax collector or tax commissioner to whom a list is furnished as provided in1875
subsection (a) of this Code section shall pay to the outgoing tax collector or tax1876
S. B. 153
- 73 - 25 LC 39 4444
commissioner, as the taxes are collected, one-half of the commissions and retain for his or1877
her services one-half, the commissions to be calculated as if the amounts had been1878
collected by the outgoing tax collector or tax commissioner.1879
(2) Reserved."1880
(4) Code Section 48-7-27, relating to computation of taxable net income, at the end of1881
subparagraph (a)(3)(A), by replacing the period with a semicolon, in paragraph (a)(3), by1882
deleting the subparagraph (A) designation and by redesignating subparagraph (B) as1883
paragraph (a)(3.1), and in division (a)(5)(D)(i), by deleting "or" at the end.1884
(5) Code Section 48-7-29.20, relating to tax credits for contributions to rural hospital1885
organizations, in subparagraph (e)(2)(E), by replacing "section including" with "section,1886
including", in subparagraph (e)(4)(B), by replacing "their approval" with "such approval",1887
and in the introductory language of subsection (i), by inserting "public" preceding "website:".1888
(6) Code Section 48-7-40.22, relating to tax credits for business enterprises that purchase or1889
lease a motor vehicle to provide transportation for employees, in the table in subsection (b),1890
under Tier 2, Credit amount per vehicle, by replacing "2000.00" with "2,000.00".1891
(7) Code Section 48-7-40.26, relating to tax credits for film, gaming, video, or digital1892
production, in the undesignated text at the end of subparagraph (c)(2)(B), by replacing1893
"paragraph" with "subparagraph" and in subparagraph (l)(5)(C), by inserting "public"1894
preceding "website".1895
(8) Code Section 48-7-40.30, relating to tax credits for certain qualified investments for1896
limited period of time, in paragraph (f)(5), by replacing "transferrable" with "transferable".1897
(9) Code Section 48-8-2, relating to definitions regarding state sales and use tax, in the1898
introductory language of paragraph (39), by replacing "voice over internet protocol" with1899
"Voice over Internet Protocol".1900
(10) Code Section 48-8-15, relating to ratification of Executive Order on temporary and1901
partial exemption for liquid propane gas commodity sold and delivered for residential1902
heating, in subsection (e), by replacing "Chapter 10" with "Chapter 1".1903
S. B. 153
- 74 - 25 LC 39 4444
(11) Code Section 48-13-133, relating to promulgation of rules and regulations regarding
1904
taxation of consumer fireworks, by replacing "this Code section" with "this article".1905
SECTION 49.1906
Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to social services, is amended1907
in:1908
(1) Code Section 49-3-6, relating to functions of county department of family and children1909
services, in paragraph (a)(4), by replacing "Council of Accountability Courts" with "Council1910
of Accountability Court Judges" and in subsection (b), by replacing "Board of Human1911
Services," with "board,".1912
(2) Code Section 49-4-159.2, relating to remote maternal health clinical services, reporting,1913
and termination, in subparagraph (a)(1)(A), by replacing "transmitting" with "transmit" and1914
in subsection (c), by replacing "repealed" with "repealed and reserved".1915
(3) Code Section 49-5-8, relating to powers and duties of the Department of Human1916
Services, in subparagraph (a)(11)(A), by replacing "with, a photograph of himself or herself,1917
provided however, that if" with "with a photograph of himself or herself; provided, however,1918
that, if" and in subparagraph (a)(11)(B), by replacing "a personal identification card" with1919
"an identification card" each time the phrase appears.1920
SECTION 50.1921
Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, is amended1922
in:1923
(1) Article 2 of Chapter 8, relating to regional commissions, by deleting the Part 11924
designation.1925
(2) Code Section 50-18-160, relating to individuals or nonprofit organizations, in1926
paragraph (a)(1), by replacing "Code, has" with "Code or has" and in paragraph (b)(2), by1927
replacing "in possession" with "in the possession".1928
S. B. 153
- 75 - 25 LC 39 4444
(3) Code Section 50-36-4, relating to submission of annual immigration compliance report,
1929
creation of reporting system, contents of reports, and annual review, in paragraph (d)(7), by1930
replacing "42-4-11.4, 42-4-11.5," with "42-1-11.4, 42-1-11.5,".1931
SECTION 51.1932
Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to torts, is amended in:1933
(1) Code Section 51-1-22.1, relating to liability of an operator of a vessel under certain1934
conditions, in paragraph (c)(1), by replacing "$1,000,000.00" with "$1 million".1935
SECTION 52.1936
Reserved.1937
SECTION 53.1938
Reserved.1939
SECTION 54.1940
(a) In accordance with subsection (c) of Code Section 28-9-5, the following portions1941
included in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated published under authority of the state by1942
LEXIS Publishing, including all 2024 supplements and revised volumes thereof, are hereby1943
reenacted, and such reenactment shall have the effect of adopting and giving force and effect1944
of law to the following portions as contained in such supplements and volumes:1945
(1) Statutory text; and1946
(2) Arrangement and numbering system, including, but not limited to, title, chapter, article,1947
part, subpart, Code section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, division, and subdivision1948
numbers and designations.1949
(b) The following portions included in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated published1950
under authority of the state by LEXIS Publishing, including all 2024 supplements and revised1951
S. B. 153
- 76 - 25 LC 39 4444
volumes thereof, are specifically not enacted or reenacted, have no binding authority, bear
1952
no weight or effect, and shall not be construed to have the imprimatur of the General1953
Assembly or the State of Georgia:1954
(1) Case annotations;1955
(2) Research references, including, but not limited to:1956
(A) Law reviews;1957
(B) Collateral references to secondary sources;1958
(C) Opinions of the Georgia Attorney General;1959
(D) Advisory opinions of the State Bar; and1960
(E) Cross-references;1961
(3) Captions;1962
(4) Catchlines;1963
(5) Headings;1964
(6) Title and chapter analyses;1965
(7) History lines;1966
(8) Repeal lines;1967
(9) Editorial notes;1968
(10) Amendment notes;1969
(11) Code Commission notes;1970
(12) Effective date notes;1971
(13) Tables;1972
(14) User's Guide;1973
(15) General Index;1974
(16) Volume indices;1975
(17) Indices related to local and special laws;1976
(18) Conversion tables;1977
(19) The United States Constitution;1978
S. B. 153
- 77 - 25 LC 39 4444
(20) The Georgia Constitution;
1979
(21) Rules and regulations of state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, or other1980
entities;1981
(22) Material in brackets or parentheses and editorial, delayed effective date, effect of1982
amendment, or other similar notes within the text of a Code section which have been added1983
by the publisher in order to explain or to prevent a misapprehension concerning the1984
contents of the Code section; and1985
(23) Any other matter published in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated which is not1986
included in subsection (a) of this section.1987
(c) The reenactment of the portions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by1988
subsection (a) of this section shall not affect, supersede, or repeal any Act of the General1989
Assembly, or portion thereof, which is not contained in the Official Code of Georgia1990
Annotated and which was not repealed by Code Section 1-1-10, specifically including those1991
Acts which have not yet been included in the text of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated1992
because of effective dates which extend beyond the effective date of the Code or the1993
publication date of the Code or its supplements. This subsection shall not apply to any Act1994
or portion thereof which was superseded due to conflict as provided by subsection (b) of1995
Code Section 28-9-5.1996
(d) The provisions contained in Sections 1 through 53 of this Act and in the other Acts1997
enacted at the 2024 regular session of the General Assembly of Georgia shall supersede the1998
provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated ratified and reenacted by subsection (a)1999
of this section.2000
(e) In the event of a conflict between a provision in Sections 1 through 53 of this Act and2001
a provision of another Act enacted at the 2025 regular session of the General Assembly, the2002
provision of such other Act shall control over the conflicting provision in Sections 12003
through 53 of this Act to the extent of such conflict.2004
S. B. 153
- 78 - 25 LC 39 4444
SECTION 55.
2005
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.2006
S. B. 153
- 79 -