Bill > HB509

This bill, known as the Oath Act, aims to implement state-level enforcement of the Insurrection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding public office. The bill amends Georgia's election laws to prohibit individuals who have previously taken an oath to support the Constitution and subsequently engaged in insurrection or rebellion from being nominated, elected, or listed on ballots for any state or federal office, unless Congress has specifically removed their disability. Additionally, the bill expands grounds for vacating public offices to include situations where a person has violated the Insurrection Clause or could be defined as a "subversive person" under state law. The legislation also specifically bars individuals who have participated in or certified documentation related to presidential elections in a manner that violates state or federal law from holding public office. Election superintendents, political parties, and political bodies are prohibited from qualifying or listing such disqualified individuals on ballots. The bill's findings emphasize that Georgia ratified the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868 and that it is necessary to enact state-level provisions to enforce the Insurrection Clause.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70482