Bill > SB196

This bill, known as the "Pregnancy Center Fraud Prevention Act," aims to regulate advertising practices of limited services pregnancy centers (LSPCs) in Georgia. The legislation addresses concerns that these centers often provide misleading information about their services, particularly to vulnerable populations. The bill defines key terms such as "limited services pregnancy centers" as facilities that do not provide abortions or emergency contraception, and establishes strict guidelines for their advertising practices. Under the new law, LSPCs are prohibited from disseminating false or deceptive advertising about their products or services, with specific requirements around transparency of medical staffing and available services. The Attorney General and local district attorneys are empowered to enforce these regulations through civil actions, with potential penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000 per violation. Centers found in violation may be required to post notices about their services, create corrective advertisements, and potentially pay restitution to affected individuals. The bill also mandates the creation of an online complaint portal for the public to report potential violations, which must be designed to be easily understandable and accessible. Importantly, the legislation emphasizes that while the state respects the centers' right to counsel against abortions, it seeks to prevent deliberate misinformation that could delay or mislead individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70444