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Bill > SB189
GA SB189
GA SB189Department of Community Affairs; to develop and maintain a publicly accessible data base of legal notices; provide
summary
Introduced
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
In Committee
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions related to the Department of Community Affairs, so as to provide for the department to develop and maintain a publicly accessible data base of legal notices that are otherwise required by law to be published in a newspaper; to provide that such data base shall be an additional, mandatory, manner of posting legal notices; to make such data base contingent upon appropriation; to provide requirements for such data base; to authorize fees; to provide that posting on such data base shall serve as an alternative to other publication requirements in certain circumstances; to provide a definition; to authorize rules and regulations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to develop and maintain a publicly accessible online database for legal notices that are currently required to be published in newspapers. The database must allow users to upload legal notices in common electronic file formats, enable online payment of publication fees (up to $25 per notice), post notices within 24 hours of upload, provide searchable and mobile-friendly access, offer account notifications for specific notice types, and provide a mechanism for obtaining certified copies of notices. In counties where a legal organ (local newspaper designated for official notices) does not maintain a local office, the online database can serve as a legal substitute for traditional newspaper publication. The bill also allows for correcting notice errors through the online database and permits the department to establish fees for searching archived notices over one year old. The implementation of this database is contingent upon legislative appropriation, and the DCA is authorized to create rules and regulations governing its operation. Importantly, this database is intended to be an additional method of notice, not necessarily a complete replacement for existing publication requirements in all circumstances.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Senate Judiciary Committee (10:00:00 3/3/2025 307 CLOB) (on 03/03/2025)
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/70396 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/232630 |
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