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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 provide for construction; to amend Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property, so as to prohibit public access to court records of dispossessory proceedings under certain conditions; 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. HB 61/SCSFA
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Georgia Anti-Squatting Act of 2026," significantly revises laws related to property rights and unlawful occupation. It expands the jurisdiction of magistrate courts to include unlawful squatting violations and clarifies penalties for such offenses, allowing for restitution to property owners. The bill defines "squatting" as residing on someone else's property without their permission and establishes a process for property owners to request immediate removal of squatters by law enforcement, requiring a verified complaint detailing specific conditions that must be met. It also modifies procedures for innkeepers to remove guests who have overstayed their welcome, including provisions for securing guest property and handling disputes, and introduces new rules for making court records of dispossessory proceedings (legal actions to remove a tenant) private under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the bill provides immunity for property owners and law enforcement in certain situations related to squatter removal and outlines civil remedies and criminal penalties for squatting and related offenses, including a felony charge for presenting fraudulent property documents.
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
House Tabled (on 03/31/2026)
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/20252026/246890 |
| Sen Floor Amend 2 AM 63 0023 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246855 |
| Sen Floor Amend 1 AM 39 0515 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246839 |
| Sen Floor Amend 1A | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246879 |
| 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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