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Bill > HB61
GA HB61
GA HB61Motor vehicles; issuance of separate license plates for hearses and ambulances; provide
summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 10 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to magistrate courts, so as to provide for magistrate court jurisdiction over certain proceedings; to amend Code Section 16-7-21.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to unlawful squatting, so as to revise offense provisions; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 21 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to rights, duties, and liabilities of innkeepers, so as to provide for certain guest removal procedures for innkeepers; to provide for an affidavit; to amend Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property, so as to provide for limitations and law enforcement officer safety regarding removal; to provide for legislative findings; to authorize real property owners to request assistance from law enforcement for the immediate removal of squatters from their property under certain conditions; to require such property owners to submit a verified complaint; to provide for complaint requirements; to provide for law enforcement requirements; to authorize arrest of squatters for legal cause; to authorize a fee for service; to provide for law enforcement and property owner immunity in certain instances; to provide for civil remedies; to provide for criminal penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Georgia Anti-Squatting Act of 2026," significantly revises laws related to unlawful occupation of property and innkeeper-guest relationships. It expands the jurisdiction of magistrate courts to include trials and sentencing for unlawful squatting violations, which is defined as entering and residing on another's property without the owner's knowledge or authority. The bill also clarifies that innkeepers can immediately deny access to guests whose contracted stay has expired, and if a guest refuses to leave, the innkeeper can file an affidavit with law enforcement to have the guest treated as a trespasser. Furthermore, it establishes a new process for property owners to request the immediate removal of squatters, requiring a verified complaint and outlining conditions and procedures for law enforcement involvement, while also providing immunity to law enforcement and property owners in certain situations and establishing civil remedies and criminal penalties for wrongful removal or the presentation of fraudulent property documents. The bill also makes changes to the procedures for executing writs of possession, allowing landlords to hire off-duty peace officers at their own expense for faster eviction, and includes provisions for officer safety.
Committee Categories
Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (6)
John Corbett (R)*,
Clint Crowe (R)*,
Danny Mathis (R)*,
Lauren McDonald (R)*,
Devan Seabaugh (R)*,
Shawn Still (R),
Last Action
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69373 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/241287 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/237050 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/229988 |
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