42-1-1. Definitions.

Except as specifically provided otherwise, as used in this title, the term:

1. “Board” means the Board of Corrections.
2. “Case plan” means an individualized accountability and behavior change strategy for a probationer, as applicable.
3. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of corrections.
4. “Criminal risk factors” means characteristics and behaviors that affect a person’s risk for committing future crimes and include, but are not limited to, antisocial behavior, antisocial personality, criminal thinking, criminal associates, having a dysfunctional family, having low levels of employment or education, poor use of leisure and recreation time, and substance abuse.
5. “Department” means the Department of Corrections.
6. “Graduated sanctions” means:
   1. Verbal and written warnings;
   2. Increased restrictions and reporting requirements;
   3. Community service or work crews;
   4. Referral to substance abuse or mental health treatment or counseling programs in the community;
   5. Increased substance abuse screening and monitoring;
   6. Electronic monitoring, as such term is defined in Code Section 42-3-111; and
   7. An intensive supervision program.
7. “Risk and needs assessment” means an actuarial tool, approved by the board and validated on a targeted population, scientifically proven to determine a person’s risk to recidivate and to identify criminal risk factors that, when properly addressed, can reduce that person’s likelihood of committing future criminal behavior.

History. Ga. L. 1921, p. 243, §§ 3, 5; Code 1933, §§ 27-504, 27-9903; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-1/HB 1176; Ga. L. 2013, p. 222, § 17/HB 349; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-62/HB 310.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “(a) No employee of a penal institution may give advice to an inmate regarding the name or the employment of an attorney at law in any case where the inmate is confined in a penal institution or receive any sum of money paid as fees or otherwise to attorneys at law in a criminal case or cases against any inmate with which they may be connected in any capacity.

“(b) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, deleted former paragraph (1), which read: “ ‘Active supervision’ means the period of a probated sentence in which a probationer actively reports to his or her probation supervisor or is otherwise under the direct supervision of a probation supervisor.”; deleted former paragraph (2), which read: “ ‘Administrative supervision’ means the period of probation supervision that has reduced supervision and reporting requirements commensurate with and that follows active supervision but that is prior to the termination of a sentence.”; and redesignated former paragraphs (3) through (9) as present paragraphs (1) through (7), respectively. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “42-3-111” for “42-8-151” in subparagraph (6)(F). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Solicitation on behalf of attorneys generally, § 15-19-55 .

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Ga. L. 2013, p. 222, § 21/HB 349, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2013, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2013, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

For article, “Appeal and Error: Appeal or Certiorari by State in Criminal Cases,” see 30 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 17 (2013).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-1-2. Reward for information leading to capture of escaped inmate of penal institution under jurisdiction of Board of Corrections.

1. Any person, other than a law enforcement officer, who furnishes information leading to the capture of an escaped inmate from a penal institution under the jurisdiction of the Board of Corrections may receive a reward of up to $200.00 which shall be payable at the time the escaped inmate is returned to the custody of the Board of Corrections. The commissioner of corrections, at his discretion, may pay the reward to any person from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Corrections.
2. When more than one person furnishes information which would entitle them to receive the rewards pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the reward shall be paid to the first person furnishing the information; and, if more than one person furnishes the information at the same time, the reward shall be prorated among all persons furnishing such information.

History. Code 1933, § 27-101.3, enacted by Ga. L. 1972, p. 574, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

Cross references.

Criminal penalties relating to escape of persons from lawful custody, §§ 16-10-52 and 16-10-53 .

Reward for detection or apprehension of person committing felony, for information leading to identification of person who murders law enforcement officer, §§ 45-12-35 through 45-12-37.

42-1-3. Defendant sentenced to death or life imprisonment not to be made trusty during time case on appeal; manner of confinement of defendant.

Any defendant who has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to death or life imprisonment shall not be made a trusty at any penal institution or facility in this state during the time that his case is on appeal. The defendant shall be confined in the same manner as other prisoners.

History. Ga. L. 1981, p. 1429, § 2.

Cross references.

Death penalty generally, § 17-10-30 et seq.

42-1-4. Work-release programs for county prisoners.

1. Any person sentenced to confinement as a county prisoner under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 17-10-3 or otherwise sentenced to confinement as a county prisoner may, if there is reasonable cause to believe that he will honor his trust, be allowed to participate in a work-release program as authorized by this Code section. Participation in a work-release program shall be voluntary on the part of the inmate.
2. When an inmate receives permission to participate in a work-release program, the limits of the place of the confinement of the inmate shall be expanded by allowing the inmate under prescribed conditions to work at paid employment or participate in a training program in the community while continuing as an inmate of the institution to which he is committed. The willful failure of an inmate to remain within the extended limits of his confinement or to return within the prescribed time to the institution shall constitute an escape from the institution and shall be punished as provided in Code Section 16-10-52.
3. If there is reasonable cause to believe that an inmate will honor his trust, the inmate may be authorized to participate in a work-release program by:
   1. The sentencing judge at the time of sentencing; or
   2. The sheriff, warden, or other official in charge of the institution to which the inmate is committed if written approval is obtained from the sentencing judge.
4. An inmate authorized to participate in a work-release program under this Code section shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the institution in which he is confined relative to the handling, disbursement, and holding in trust of all funds earned by the inmate while under the jurisdiction of the institution. An amount determined to be the cost of the inmate’s keep and confinement shall be deducted from the earnings of each inmate, and such amount shall be deposited in the treasury of the county. After deduction for keep and confinement the official in charge of the institution shall:
   1. Allow the inmate to draw from the balance a reasonable sum to cover his incidental expenses;
   2. Retain to the inmate’s credit an amount as deemed necessary to accumulate a reasonable sum to be paid to him on his release from the institution; and
   3. Cause to be paid any additional balance as is needed for the support of the inmate’s dependents.
5. No inmate participating in a work-release program under this Code section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the county while working or participating in training or going to and from his place of employment or training.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-4 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1259, § 1.

Cross references.

Work-release, educational, and habilitative programs for county prisoners, § 42-1-9 .

Editor’s notes.

Both Ga. L. 1985, p. 1259, § 1 and Ga. L. 1985, p. 1483, § 1 enacted a Code Section 42-1-4. The former has been set out as Code Section 42-1-4 and the latter as Code Section 42-1-5.

42-1-5. Use of inmate for private gain.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Custodian” means a warden, sheriff, jailer, deputy sheriff, police officer, or any other law enforcement officer having actual custody of an inmate.
   2. “Inmate” means any person who is lawfully incarcerated in a penal institution.
   3. “Penal institution” means any place of confinement for persons accused of or convicted of violating a law of this state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state.
2. It shall be unlawful for a custodian of an inmate of a penal institution to use such inmate or allow such inmate to be used for any purpose resulting in private gain to any individual.
3. Any person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. This Code section shall not apply to:
   1. Work on private property because of natural disasters;

      (1.1) Work on private property as a form of victim compensation in accordance with Chapter 15A of Title 17;

   2. Work or other programs or releases which have the prior approval of the board or commissioner of corrections;
   3. Community service work programs;
   4. Work-release programs; or
   5. Work programs authorized by Article 6 of Chapter 5 of this title.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-4 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1483, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 94, § 42; Ga. L. 2003, p. 252, § 2; Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 3/HB 58.

Code Commission notes.

Both Ga. L. 1985, p. 1259 and Ga. L. 1985, p. 1483 enacted a Code Section 42-1-4. Additionally, Ga. L. 1985, p. 1483 contained “board or commissioner of offender rehabilitation” in paragraph (2) of subsection (d). Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, this Code section has been renumbered Code Section 42-1-5 and “offender rehabilitation” changed to “corrections.”

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Working Against Recidivism Act.’ ”

Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 2, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “The General Assembly finds and declares that:

“(1) Many persons sentenced to confinement for criminal offenses commit additional criminal offenses after release from confinement, and such recidivism is a serious danger to public safety and a major source of expense to the state;

“(2) Under the appropriate conditions and limitations, work programs of voluntary labor by inmates of state and county correctional institutions for privately owned profit-making employers to produce goods, services, or goods and services for sale to public or private purchasers provide substantial public benefits by:

“(A) Providing job experience and skills to participating inmates;

“(B) Allowing participating inmates to accumulate savings available for their use when released from the correctional institution;

“(C) Lowering recidivism rates;

“(D) Generating taxes from inmate income;

“(E) Reducing the cost of incarceration by enabling participating inmates to pay room and board; and

“(F) Providing participating inmates income to pay fines, restitution, and family support;

“(3) Appropriate conditions and limitations for voluntary labor by inmates for such work programs include but are not limited to:

“(A) Assurance that inmates’ work is voluntary;

“(B) Payment of inmates at wages at a rate not less than that paid for work of a similar nature in the locality in which the work is to be performed;

“(C) Provision of federal and state governmental benefits to participating inmates comparable to governmental benefits provided for similarly situated private sector workers;

“(D) Selection of participating inmates with careful attention to security issues;

“(E) Appropriate supervision of inmates during travel or employment outside the correctional institution;

“(F) Assurance that inmate labor will not result in the displacement of employed workers; be applied in skills, crafts, or trades in which there is a surplus of available gainful labor in the locality; or impair existing contracts for services;

“(G) Consultations with local private employers that may be economically impacted; and

“(H) Consultations with local labor union organizations and other local employee groups, especially those who have an interest in the trade or skill to be performed by the inmates; and

“(4) Requirements for the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program authorized by 18 U.S.C. Section 1761 and federal regulations are sufficient to ensure appropriate conditions and limitations in many areas of concern for programs of voluntary labor by inmates for privately owned profit-making employers to produce goods, services, or goods and services for sale to public and private purchasers.”

42-1-6. Injury or contact by inmate presenting possible threat of transmission of communicable disease.

If any inmate of any state or county correctional institution, county or municipal jail, or other similar facility, while such inmate is in custody or in the process of being taken into custody, injures or has injured or contacts or has contacted a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or other person in such a manner as to present a possible threat of transmission of a communicable disease to the person so injured or contacted, then the warden, jailer, or other official having charge of such inmate may take all reasonable steps to determine whether the inmate has a communicable disease capable of being transmitted by the injury or contact involved. Such steps may include, but shall not be limited to, any appropriate medical examination of or collection of medical specimens from the inmate. In the event an inmate refuses to cooperate in any such procedures, the warden, jailer, or other official may apply to the superior court of the county for an order authorizing the use of any degree of force reasonably necessary to complete such procedures. Upon a showing of probable cause that the injury presents the threat of transmission of a communicable disease, the court shall issue an order authorizing the petitioner to use reasonable measures to perform any medical procedures reasonably necessary to ascertain whether a communicable disease has been transmitted. In addition to any other grounds sufficient to show probable cause for the issuance of such an order, such probable cause may be conclusively established by evidence of the injury or contact in question and a statement by a licensed physician that the nature of the injury or contact is such as to present a threat of transmission of a communicable disease if the inmate has such a disease. The cost of any procedures carried out under this Code section shall be borne by the jurisdiction having custody of the inmate.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-6 , enacted by Ga. L. 1987, p. 1446, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 660, § 4; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1259, § 11.

42-1-7. Notification to transporting law enforcement agency of inmate’s or patient’s infectious or communicable disease.

1. For the purposes of this Code section, the term “infectious or communicable disease” shall include infectious hepatitis, tuberculosis, influenza, measles, chicken pox, meningitis, HIV as defined in Code Section 31-22-9.1, or any sexually transmitted disease enumerated in Code Section 31-17-1.
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any state or county correctional institution, municipal or county detention facility, or any facility as defined in Code Section 37-3-1 shall notify any state or local law enforcement agency required to transport an inmate or patient if such inmate or patient has been diagnosed as having an infectious or communicable disease. Notification shall be limited to the fact that such inmate or patient has an infectious or communicable disease and whether such disease is airborne or transmissible by blood or other body fluids; provided, however, that the specific disease shall not be disclosed. The Department of Public Health shall provide a guide for appropriate precautions to be taken by any person or persons transporting such inmate or patient and shall develop a form to be used for the purpose of ensuring that such precautions are taken.
3. Information released or obtained pursuant to this Code section shall be privileged and confidential and shall only be released or obtained by the institutions, facilities, or agencies who are parties to the transportation of the patient or inmate.  Any person making an unauthorized disclosure of such information shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-7 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1319, § 1; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 1-4/HB 228; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, § 6-3/HB 214; Ga. L. 2020, p. 55, § 8/SB 372.

The 2020 amendment, effective July 1, 2020, substituted “sexually transmitted” for “venereal” in subsection (a).

Code Commission notes.

Ga. L. 1991, p. 1319, § 1, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, all purport to enact Code Section 42-1-7. Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-8 and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-9.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 147 (2011).

42-1-8. Home arrest program.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Educational program” means a program of learning recognized by the State Board of Education.
   2. “Habilitative program” means and includes an alcohol or drug treatment program, mental health program, family counseling, community service, or any other community program ordered or approved by the court having jurisdiction over the offender or by the sheriff.
   3. “Home arrest” means an electronic monitoring of an offender at a residence approved and accepted by the court, the sheriff, or the director or administrator of the home arrest program.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 42-1-4, any person who is confined in a county jail (1) after conviction and sentencing, (2) pending completion of a presentencing report, or (3) after return for a violation of the terms of probation may, in the discretion of the sheriff and subject to the eligibility requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this Code section, be assigned to a home arrest program under supervision of the sheriff.  If it appears to the court that an offender subject to its jurisdiction is a suitable candidate for a home arrest program, the court may, subject to the eligibility requirements of subsection (d) of this Code section, order the offender to a home arrest program. Further, the sheriff or the court may authorize the offender to participate in educational or other habilitative programs designed to supplement home arrest.
3. Whenever the sheriff assigns an offender to home arrest, the court which sentenced such offender or before which such offender’s case is pending shall be notified in writing by the sheriff or the director or administrator of the home arrest program to which the offender is assigned of the offender’s place of employment and the location of any educational or habilitative program in which the offender participates.  The court, in its discretion, may revoke the authority for any offender to participate in home arrest, whether such offender was assigned to home arrest by the court or the sheriff.  The sheriff or home arrest director or administrator may enter into an agreement to accept into the local home arrest program offenders who are sentenced to home arrest or who have met all home arrest standards.
4. In order to qualify for assignment to a home arrest program, an offender:
   1. May not be subject to any outstanding warrants or orders from any other court or law enforcement agency;
   2. Shall not have any criminal record or any history within the preceding five years of any assaultive offenses of an aggravated nature, including, but not limited to, aggravated assault; aggravated battery; rape; child molestation; robbery; trafficking or distribution of a controlled substance or marijuana; homicide by vehicle; felony bail-jumping; or escape; or
   3. May not have any life-threatening illnesses or disabilities that would interfere with the ability to work on a regular schedule.
5. An offender’s employment under this Code section shall be with a legitimate, recognized, and established employer.  An offender assigned to a home arrest program who, without proper authority, leaves his home or the work area to which he is assigned, who leaves or fails to attend an assigned educational or other rehabilitative program, or who leaves the vehicle or route of travel in going to or returning from his assigned place of work shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. If the offender leaves the county or the area of restriction, he may be found guilty of escape under Code Section 16-10-52. An offender who is found guilty of a misdemeanor under this subsection or of escape shall be ineligible for further participation in a home arrest program during his current term of confinement.
6. Any wages earned by an offender in home arrest under this Code section may, upon order of the court or the sheriff, be paid to the director or administrator of the home arrest program after standard payroll deductions required by federal or state law have been withheld.  Distribution of such wages shall be made for the following purposes:
   1. To defray the cost of home arrest electronic monitoring equipment and supervision provided by the local jail or detention center, or to pay for any damage to the monitoring equipment in the offender’s possession or the failure to return the equipment to the program;
   2. To pay travel and other such expenses of the offender necessitated by his home arrest employment or participation in an educational or rehabilitative program;
   3. To provide support and maintenance for the offender’s dependents or to make payments to the local department of family and children services or probation, as appropriate, on behalf of any offender’s dependents receiving public assistance;
   4. To pay any fines, restitution, or other costs ordered by the court; and
   5. Any balance remaining after payment of costs and expenses listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection shall be retained to the credit of the offender and shall be paid to him upon release from confinement.
7. No offender participating in home arrest pursuant to this Code section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the county while working or participating in educational or other habilitative programs or while traveling to or from the place of employment.
8. Local jails shall qualify for compensation for costs of incarceration of all persons pursuant to this Code section, less any payments from the offender pursuant to subsection (f) of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-8 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1.

Code Commission notes.

Ga. L. 1991, p. 1319, § 1, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, all purport to enact Code Section 42-1-7. Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-8 and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-9.

Law reviews.

For note on 1991 enactment of this Code section, see 8 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 155 (1992).

42-1-9. Work-release, educational, and habilitative programs for county prisoners.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Educational program” means a program of learning recognized by the State Board of Education.
   2. “Habilitative program” means and includes an alcohol or drug treatment program, mental health program, family counseling, community service, or any other community program ordered or approved by the court having jurisdiction over the offender or by the sheriff.
   3. “Work release” means full-time employment or participation in an acceptable and suitable vocational training program.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 42-1-4, any person who is confined in a county jail (1) after conviction and sentencing, (2) pending completion of a presentencing report, or (3) after return for a violation of the terms of probation may, in the discretion of the sheriff and subject to the eligibility requirements set forth in subsection (d) of this Code section, be assigned to a work-release program under supervision of the sheriff.  If it appears to the court that an offender subject to its jurisdiction is a suitable candidate for a work-release program, the court may, subject to the eligibility requirements of subsection (d) of this Code section, order the offender to a work-release program. Further, the sheriff or the court may authorize the offender inmate to participate in educational or other habilitative programs designed to supplement work release.
3. Whenever the sheriff assigns an inmate to work release, the court which sentenced such offender or before which such offender’s case is pending shall be notified in writing by the sheriff or the director or administrator of the work-release program to which the offender is assigned of the offender’s place of employment and the location of any educational or habilitative program in which the offender participates.  The court, in its discretion, may revoke the authority for any inmate to participate in work release, whether such inmate was assigned to work release by the court or the sheriff.  The sheriff or work-release director or administrator may enter into an agreement to accept into the local work-release program inmates who are sentenced to work release or who have met all work-release standards.
4. In order to qualify for assignment to a work-release program, an offender:
   1. May not be subject to any outstanding warrants or orders from any other court or law enforcement agency;
   2. Shall not have any criminal record or any history within the preceding five years of any assaultive offenses of an aggravated nature, including, but not limited to, aggravated assault; aggravated battery; rape; child molestation; robbery; trafficking or distribution of a controlled substance or marijuana; homicide by vehicle; felony bail-jumping; or escape; or
   3. May not have any life-threatening illnesses or disabilities that would interfere with the ability to work on a regular schedule.
5. An inmate’s employment under this Code section shall be with a legitimate, recognized, and established employer.  An inmate assigned to a work-release program who, without proper authority, leaves the work area or site to which he is assigned, who leaves or fails to attend an assigned educational or other rehabilitative program, or who leaves the vehicle or route of travel in going to or returning from his assigned place of work shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.  An offender who is found guilty of misdemeanor escape in accordance with this subsection shall be ineligible for further participation during his current term of confinement.
6. Any wages earned by an inmate in work release under this Code section may, upon order of the court or the sheriff, be paid to the director or administrator of the work-release program after standard payroll deductions required by federal or state law have been withheld.  Distribution of such wages shall be made for the following purposes:
   1. To defray the cost of the inmate’s keep, confinement, and supervision, which sums shall be paid into the general treasury;
   2. To pay travel and other such expenses of the inmate necessitated by his work-release employment or participation in an educational or rehabilitative program;
   3. To provide support and maintenance for the inmate’s dependents or to make payments to the local department of family and children services or probation, as appropriate, on behalf of any inmate’s dependents receiving public assistance;
   4. To pay any fines, restitution, or other costs ordered by the court; and
   5. Any balance remaining after payment of costs and expenses listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection shall be retained to the credit of the inmate and shall be paid to him upon release from confinement.
7. No inmate participating in work release pursuant to this Code section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the county while working or participating in educational or other habilitative programs or while traveling to or from the place of employment.
8. Local jails shall qualify for compensation for costs of incarceration of all persons pursuant to this Code section, less any payments from the inmate pursuant to subsection (f) of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-9 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1.

Cross references.

Work-release programs for county prisoners, § 42-1-4 .

Code Commission notes.

Ga. L. 1991, p. 1319, § 1, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, all purport to enact Code Section 42-1-7. Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, Ga. L. 1991, p. 1348, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-8 and Ga. L. 1991, p. 1352, § 1, has been renumbered as Code Section 42-1-9.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1991, “work-release program” was substituted for “work release program” in three places in subsection (b), twice in subsection (c), in subsections (d) and (e), in the introductory language of subsection (f), and in paragraph (f)(2); and “work-release” was substituted for “work release” preceding “director” and “standards” in subsection (c).

Administrative rules and regulations.

Work Standards, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Boards of Corrections, Institutional and Center Operations, Chapter 125-3-5.

Law reviews.

For note on 1991 enactment of this Code section, see 8 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 155 (1992).

42-1-10. Preliminary urine screen drug tests.

1. Any community supervision officer of the Department of Community Supervision or official or employee of the Department of Corrections who supervises any person covered under the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) of this subsection shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 22 of Title 31 for the limited purposes of administering a preliminary urine screen drug test to any person who is:
   1. Incarcerated;
   2. Released as a condition of probation for a felony or misdemeanor;
   3. Released as a condition of conditional release;
   4. Released as a condition of parole;
   5. Released as a condition of provisional release;
   6. Released as a condition of pretrial release; or
   7. Released as a condition of control release.
2. The Department of Corrections, Department of Community Supervision, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles shall develop a procedure for the performance of preliminary urine screen drug tests in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards for certification. Community supervision officers of the Department of Community Supervision or officials or employees of the Department of Corrections who are supervisors of any person covered under paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be authorized to perform preliminary urine screen drug tests in accordance with such procedure. Such procedure shall include instructions as to a confirmatory test by a clinical laboratory certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services where necessary.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-10 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 3234, § 1; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-63/HB 310; Ga. L. 2021, p. 472, § 3/HB 93.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “community supervision officer of the Department of Community Supervision or” for “probation officer, parole officer, or other” near the beginning of the introductory paragraph of subsection (a); in subsection (b), inserted “, Department of Community Supervision,” near the beginning of the first sentence, and substituted “Community supervision officers of the Department of Community Supervision or” for “Probation officers, parole officers, or other” at the beginning of the second sentence. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, substituted “test by a clinical laboratory certified by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services” for “test by a licensed clinical laboratory” in the middle of the third sentence of subsection (b).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-1-11. Notification of crime victim of impending release of offender from imprisonment.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Crime” means an act committed in this state which constitutes any violation of Chapter 5 of Title 16, relating to crimes against persons; Chapter 6 of Title 16, relating to sexual offenses; Article 1, Article 1A, or Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 16, relating to burglary, home invasion, and arson; or Article 1 or Article 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 16, relating to offenses involving theft and armed robbery.
   2. “Crime against the person or sexual offense” means any crime provided for in Chapter 5 or 6 of Title 16.
   3. “Custodial authority” means the commissioner of corrections if the offender is in the physical custody of the state, or the sheriff if the offender is incarcerated in a county jail, or the warden if the offender is incarcerated in a county correctional institution.
   4. “Offender” means a person sentenced to a term of incarceration in a state or county correctional institution.
2. If the identity of a victim of a crime has been verified by the prosecuting attorney, who has, at the request of such victim, mailed a letter to the custodial authority requesting that the victim be notified of a change in the custodial status of an offender, then the custodial authority shall make a good faith effort to notify the victim that the offender is to be released from imprisonment, including release on extended furlough; transferred to work release; released by mandatory release upon expiration of sentence; or has escaped from confinement; or if the offender has died. The good faith effort to notify the victim must occur prior to the release or transfer noted in this subsection. For a victim of a felony crime against the person or sexual offense for which the offender was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of more than 18 months, the good faith effort to notify the victim must occur no later than ten days before the offender’s release from imprisonment, transfer to or release from work release, or as soon thereafter as is practical in situations involving emergencies.
3. The notice given to a victim of a crime against a person or sexual offense shall include the conditions governing the offender’s release or transfer and either the identity of the corrections agent or the community supervision officer who will be supervising the offender’s release or a means to identify the agency that will be supervising the offender’s release. The custodial authority complies with this Code section upon mailing the notice of impending release to the victim at the address which the victim has most recently provided to the custodial authority in writing.
4. If an offender escapes from imprisonment or incarceration, including from release on extended furlough or work release, the custodial authority shall make all reasonable efforts to notify a victim who has requested notice of the offender’s release under subsection (b) of this Code section within six hours after discovering the escape, or as soon thereafter as is practical, and shall also make reasonable efforts to notify the victim within 24 hours after the offender is apprehended or as soon thereafter as is practical. In emergencies, telephone notification for the victim will be attempted and the results documented in the offender’s central file.
5. All identifying information regarding the victim, including the victim’s request and the notice provided by the custodial authority, shall be confidential and accessible only to the victim. It is the responsibility of the victim to provide the custodial authority with a current address.
6. A designated official in the Department of Corrections, the county correctional facility, and the sheriff’s office shall coordinate the receipt of all victim correspondence and shall monitor staff responses to requests for such notification from victims of crime.
7. The custodial authority shall not be liable for a failure to notify the victim.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-11 , enacted by Ga. L. 1993, p. 1278, § 1; Ga. L. 1995, p. 385, § 3; Ga. L. 2014, p. 426, § 11/HB 770; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-64/HB 310.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in the middle of paragraph (a)(1), inserted “, Article 1A,” and inserted “, home invasion,”.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, in subsection (c), in the first sentence, substituted “shall include” for “must include” near the middle, and substituted “community supervision officer” for “county officer” in the middle. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1993, p. 1278, § 2, not codified by the General Assembly, provided that this Code section shall become effective six months after the effective date of an appropriations Act containing a specific appropriation to fund the provisions of this Act. Partial funding was provided by the General Assembly at the 1995 session. Additional funding was approved by the General Assembly at the 1997 session. Additional funding was appropriated by the General Assembly at the 1997 session.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For note on 1993 enactment of this Code section, see 10 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 176 (1993).

For note on the 1995 amendment of this Code section, see 12 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 158 (1995).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-1-11.1. Alien prisoners eligible for deportation; cooperation with federal deportation program; waiver of extradition rights; transportation.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Alien prisoner” means a person who is not a citizen or national of the United States who is serving a sentence under the supervision of the department.
   2. “Board” means the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
   3. “Department” means the Department of Corrections.
   4. “Release on a reprieve” means being released on a reprieve with a detainer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
2. The department and board shall establish a process and agreements among multiple state, local, and federal agencies for the implementation of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer (REPAT) Program or similar federal program, by whatever name, for the purpose of deporting alien prisoners in the state prison system who are eligible for deportation.
3. The department shall include as a part of the intake process a procedure to identify alien prisoners eligible for deportation. The department shall coordinate with the federal authorities to determine an alien prisoner’s immigration status and eligibility for removal. The identity and information regarding alien prisoners eligible for deportation shall be provided expeditiously to the board, and the board shall then consider such alien prisoner for a release on a reprieve. Alien prisoners who would otherwise be ineligible for parole shall not become eligible by reason of eligibility for a release on a reprieve.
4. Upon an alien prisoner’s acceptance into the federal deportation program, the board may establish a tentative release month for the alien prisoner to be transferred into federal custody.
5. No tentative parole release month based on a release on a reprieve shall be set until the alien prisoner is otherwise eligible for parole. No tentative parole release month shall be set for any date prior to the effective date of a final deportation removal order.
6. The board shall provide notice and obtain acknowledgment in writing that notice was given to each alien prisoner who is eligible for a release on a reprieve that illegal reentry into the United States shall subject such alien prisoner to being returned to the custody of the department to complete the remainder of his or her court-imposed sentence. Prior to granting a release on a reprieve, the alien prisoner shall make a knowing, voluntary, and intelligent waiver in writing of all rights of extradition which would challenge the alien prisoner’s parole revocation and return the alien prisoner to the department to complete the remainder of his or her sentence in the event such alien prisoner violates a condition of the release on a reprieve.
7. An alien prisoner shall not be eligible for a release on a reprieve if the federal authorities determine that the alien prisoner’s removal is not reasonably foreseeable.
8. The department shall maintain exclusive control and responsibility for the custody and transportation of alien prisoners to and from federal facilities.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-11.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 263, § 2/SB 136.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2010, p. 263, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that alien prisoners subject to deportation are not released from prison into the Georgia community. It is further the intent of this legislative body to reduce the costs and expenses of operating state prisons by reducing the number of alien prisoners incarcerated in the Georgia penal system and to expedite the deportation process of such prisoners. Moreover, Georgia should support the rearrest and revocation of parole of any alien prisoner who reenters the United States in violation of a release on a reprieve with a detainer to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The General Assembly intends to require state agencies to take part in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer (REPAT) Program funded and operated by the United States government and take all measures to fully cooperate and communicate with state, local, and federal agencies for the implementation of such program.”

42-1-11.2. Advice on employment of attorney prohibited; penalty.

1. No employee of a penal institution shall give advice to an inmate regarding the name or the employment of an attorney at law in any case where the inmate is confined in a penal institution or receive any sum of money paid as fees or otherwise to attorneys at law in a criminal case or cases against any inmate with which they may be connected in any capacity.
2. Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-11.2 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-2/HB 1176.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective July 1, 2012. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 enactment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

42-1-11.3. Treatment of pregnant and postpartum female inmates.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Custodian” means warden, sheriff, jailer, deputy sheriff, police officer, or any other law enforcement officer.
   2. “Immediate postpartum period” means the six-week period following childbirth unless extended by a physician due to complications.
   3. “Officer in charge” means the individual who is responsible for the supervision of a penal institution.
   4. “Penal institution” means any place of confinement for juvenile or adult individuals accused of, convicted of, or adjudicated for violating a law of this state or an ordinance of a political subdivision of this state.
   5. “Pregnant woman” means a woman whose pregnancy has been verified by a pregnancy test or through a medical examination conducted by a physician.
   6. “Woman” means a juvenile or adult female who is confined in a penal institution.
2. A pregnant woman shall not be required to squat or cough during a strip search conducted by a custodian during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
3. A pregnant woman shall not be required to undergo any vaginal examination unless prescribed and performed by a licensed health care professional.
4. 1. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and notwithstanding Code Section 42-5-58, a custodian shall not use handcuffs, waist shackles, leg irons, or restraints of any kind on a pregnant woman who is in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, in labor, or in delivery, or on a woman in the immediate postpartum period.
   2. A woman who is in the immediate postpartum period may only be restrained using wrist handcuffs with her wrists held in front of her body and only if there are compelling grounds to believe that such woman presents:
      1. An immediate and serious threat of harm to herself, staff, or others; or
      2. A substantial flight risk and cannot be reasonably contained by other means.
   3. If a custodian uses wrist handcuffs on a woman who is in the immediate postpartum period under an exception provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the circumstances for and details of such exception shall be documented within two days of the incident. Such information shall include the nature of the circumstances and the length of time of such use of restraints. The documentation shall be reviewed by the officer in charge and retained by the penal institution for reporting purposes.
   4. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of medical restraints by a licensed health care professional to ensure the medical safety of a pregnant woman.
5. A pregnant woman or woman who is in the immediate postpartum period shall not be placed in solitary confinement, in administrative segregation, or for medical observation in a solitary confinement setting; provided, however, that this shall not prevent the placement of such woman in a cell or hospital room by herself.
6. It is the intent of the General Assembly that a pregnant woman who is temporarily held in a county jail pending transfer to a state penal institution be transferred as expeditiously as possible. The Department of Corrections and a sheriff overseeing a county jail in which a pregnant woman is incarcerated shall make all reasonable efforts to facilitate such transfer. This subsection shall not apply to a pregnant woman who has been sentenced to a county jail by a judge.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-11.3 , enacted by Ga. L. 2019, p. 761, § 1/HB 345.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective October 1, 2019.

42-1-12. State Sexual Offender Registry.

1. As used in this article, the term:
   1. “Address” means the street or route address of the sexual offender’s residence. For purposes of this Code section, the term shall not mean a post office box.
   2. “Appropriate official” means:
      1. With respect to a sexual offender who is sentenced to probation without any sentence of incarceration in the state prison system or who is sentenced pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, relating to first offenders, the Department of Community Supervision;
      2. With respect to a sexual offender who is sentenced to a period of incarceration in a prison under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and who is subsequently released from prison or placed on probation, the commissioner of corrections or his or her designee;
      3. With respect to a sexual offender who is placed on parole, the chairperson of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles or his or her designee; and
      4. With respect to a sexual offender who is placed on probation through a private probation agency, the director of the private probation agency or his or her designee.
   3. “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, school bus stops, public libraries, and public and community swimming pools.
   4. “Assessment criteria” means the tests that the board members use to determine the likelihood that a sexual offender will commit another criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or commit a dangerous sexual offense.
   5. “Board” means the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board.
   6. “Child care facility” means all public and private pre-kindergarten facilities, child care learning centers, preschool facilities, and long-term care facilities for children.

      (6.1) “Child care learning center” shall have the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (2) of Code Section 20-1A-2.

   7. “Church” means a place of public religious worship.
   8. “Conviction” includes a final judgment of conviction entered upon a verdict or finding of guilty of a crime, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere. A defendant who is discharged without adjudication of guilt and who is not considered to have a criminal conviction pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, relating to first offenders, shall be subject to the registration requirements of this Code section for the period of time prior to the defendant’s discharge after completion of his or her sentence or upon the defendant being adjudicated guilty. Unless otherwise required by federal law, a defendant who is discharged without adjudication of guilt and who is not considered to have a criminal conviction pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, relating to first offenders, shall not be subject to the registration requirements of this Code section upon the defendant’s discharge.

      (8.1) “Criminal history record information” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 35-3-30.

   9. 1. “Criminal offense against a victim who is a minor” with respect to convictions occurring on or before June 30, 2001, means any criminal offense under Title 16 or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of:
         1. Kidnapping of a minor, except by a parent;
         2. False imprisonment of a minor, except by a parent;
         3. Criminal sexual conduct toward a minor;
         4. Solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual conduct;
         5. Use of a minor in a sexual performance;
         6. Solicitation of a minor to practice prostitution; or
         7. Any conviction resulting from an underlying sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.
      2. “Criminal offense against a victim who is a minor” with respect to convictions occurring after June 30, 2001, means any criminal offense under Title 16 or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of:
         1. Kidnapping of a minor, except by a parent;
         2. False imprisonment of a minor, except by a parent;
         3. Criminal sexual conduct toward a minor;
         4. Solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual conduct;
         5. Use of a minor in a sexual performance;
         6. Solicitation of a minor to practice prostitution;
         7. Use of a minor to engage in any sexually explicit conduct to produce any visual medium depicting such conduct;
         8. Creating, publishing, selling, distributing, or possessing any material depicting a minor or a portion of a minor’s body engaged in sexually explicit conduct;
         9. Transmitting, making, selling, buying, or disseminating by means of a computer any descriptive or identifying information regarding a child for the purpose of offering or soliciting sexual conduct of or with a child or the visual depicting of such conduct;
         10. Conspiracy to transport, ship, receive, or distribute visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct; or
         11. Any conduct which, by its nature, is a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.
      3. For purposes of this paragraph, a conviction for a misdemeanor shall not be considered a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor, and conduct which is adjudicated in juvenile court shall not be considered a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor.
   10. 1. “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring on or before June 30, 2006, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this paragraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:
          1. Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;
          2. Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;
          3. Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;
          4. Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4; or
          5. Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2.
       2. “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2015, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this paragraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:
          1. Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;
          2. Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;
          3. False imprisonment in violation of Code Section 16-5-41 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;
          4. Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;
          5. Sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;
          6. Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;
          7. Statutory rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-3, if the individual convicted of the offense is 21 years of age or older;
          8. Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;
          9. Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4, unless the person was convicted of a misdemeanor offense;
          10. Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5;
          11. Sexual assault against persons in custody in violation of Code Section 16-6-5.1;
          12. Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22;
          13. A second conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.1;
          14. Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2;
          15. Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100;
          16. Electronically furnishing obscene material to minors in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.1;
          17. Computer pornography and child exploitation in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.2;
          18. Obscene telephone contact in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.3; or
          19. Any conduct which, by its nature, is a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor or an attempt to commit a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.
       3. For purposes of this paragraph, a conviction for a misdemeanor shall not be considered a dangerous sexual offense, and conduct which is adjudicated in juvenile court shall not be considered a dangerous sexual offense.
   11. “Institution of higher education” means a private or public community college, state university, state college, or independent postsecondary institution.
   12. “Level I risk assessment classification” means the sexual offender is a low sex offense risk and low recidivism risk for future sexual offenses.
   13. “Level II risk assessment classification” means the sexual offender is an intermediate sex offense risk and intermediate recidivism risk for future sexual offenses and includes all sexual offenders who do not meet the criteria for classification either as a sexually dangerous predator or for Level I risk assessment.
   14. “Minor” means any individual under the age of 18 years and any individual that the sexual offender believed at the time of the offense was under the age of 18 years if such individual was the victim of an offense.
   15. “Public and community swimming pools” includes municipal, school, hotel, motel, or any pool to which access is granted in exchange for payment of a daily fee. The term includes apartment complex pools, country club pools, or subdivision pools which are open only to residents of the subdivision and their guests. This term does not include a private pool or hot tub serving a single-family dwelling and used only by the residents of the dwelling and their guests.
   16. “Required registration information” means:
       1. Name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; hair color; eye color; fingerprints; and photograph;
       2. Address, within this state or out of state, and, if applicable in addition to the address, a rural route address and a post office box;
       3. If the place of residence is a motor vehicle or trailer, the vehicle identification number, the license tag number, and a description, including color scheme, of the motor vehicle or trailer;
       4. If the place of residence is a mobile home, the mobile home location permit number; the name and address of the owner of the home; a description, including the color scheme of the mobile home; and, if applicable, a description of where the mobile home is located on the property;
       5. If the place of residence is a manufactured home, the name and address of the owner of the home; a description, including the color scheme of the manufactured home; and, if applicable, a description of where the manufactured home is located on the property;
       6. If the place of residence is a vessel, live-aboard vessel, or houseboat, the hull identification number; the manufacturer’s serial number; the name of the vessel, live-aboard vessel, or houseboat; the registration number; and a description, including color scheme, of the vessel, live-aboard vessel, or houseboat;
       7. Date of employment, place of any employment, and address of employer;
       8. Place of vocation and address of the place of vocation;
       9. Vehicle make, model, color, and license tag number;
       10. If enrolled, employed, or carrying on a vocation at an institution of higher education in this state, the name, address, and county of each institution, including each campus attended, and enrollment or employment status;
       11. The name of the crime or crimes for which the sexual offender is registering and the date released from prison or placed on probation, parole, or supervised release; and
       12. The landline and mobile telephone numbers of the sexual offender.
   17. “Risk assessment classification” means the notification level into which a sexual offender is placed based on the board’s assessment.
   18. “School” means all public and private kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools.
   19. “School bus stop” means a school bus stop as designated by local school boards of education or by a private school.
   20. “Sexual offender” means any individual:
       1. Who has been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or any dangerous sexual offense;
       2. Who has been convicted under the laws of another state or territory, under the laws of the United States, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or in a tribal court of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or a dangerous sexual offense; or
       3. Who is required to register pursuant to subsection (e) of this Code section.
   21. “Sexually dangerous predator” means a sexual offender:
       1. Who was designated as a sexually violent predator between July 1, 1996, and June 30, 2006; or
       2. Who is determined by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board to be at risk of perpetrating any future dangerous sexual offense.
   22. “Vocation” means any full-time, part-time, or volunteer employment with or without compensation exceeding 14 consecutive days or for an aggregate period of time exceeding 30 days during any calendar year.

   (B.1) “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this subparagraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:

   (B.2) “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this subparagraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:

   (B.3) “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this subparagraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:

   (B.4) “Dangerous sexual offense” with respect to convictions occurring after June 30, 2021, means any criminal offense, or the attempt to commit any criminal offense, under Title 16 as specified in this subparagraph or any offense under federal law or the laws of another state or territory of the United States which consists of the same or similar elements of the following offenses:

   (F.1) If the place of residence is the status of homelessness, information as provided under paragraph (2.1) of subsection (f) of this Code section;

2. Before a sexual offender who is required to register under this Code section is released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation, the appropriate official shall:
   1. Inform the sexual offender of the obligation to register, the amount of the registration fee, and how to maintain registration;
   2. Obtain the information necessary for the required registration information;
   3. Inform the sexual offender that, if the sexual offender changes any of the required registration information, other than residence address, the sexual offender shall give the new information to the sheriff of the county with whom the sexual offender is registered within 72 hours of the change of information; if the information is the sexual offender’s new residence address, the sexual offender shall give the information to the sheriff of the county with whom the sexual offender last registered within 72 hours prior to moving and to the sheriff of the county to which the sexual offender is moving within 72 hours prior to moving;
   4. Inform the sexual offender that he or she shall also register in any state where he or she is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student;
   5. Inform the sexual offender that, if he or she changes residence to another state, the sexual offender shall register the new address with the sheriff of the county with whom the sexual offender last registered and that the sexual offender shall also register with a designated law enforcement agency in the new state within 72 hours after establishing residence in the new state;
   6. Obtain fingerprints and a current photograph of the sexual offender;
   7. Require the sexual offender to read and sign a form stating that the obligations of the sexual offender have been explained;
   8. Obtain and forward any information obtained from the clerk of court pursuant to Code Section 42-5-50 to the sheriff’s office of the county in which the sexual offender will reside; and
   9. If required by Code Section 42-1-14, place any required electronic monitoring system on the sexually dangerous predator and explain its operation and cost.
3. The Department of Corrections shall:
   1. Forward to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation a copy of the form stating that the obligations of the sexual offender have been explained;
   2. Forward any required registration information to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation;
   3. Forward the sexual offender’s fingerprints and photograph to the sheriff’s office of the county where the sexual offender is going to reside;
   4. Inform the board and the prosecuting attorney for the jurisdiction in which a sexual offender was convicted of the impending release of a sexual offender at least eight months prior to such release so as to facilitate compliance with Code Section 42-1-14; and
   5. Keep all records of sexual offenders in a secure facility in accordance with Code Sections 15-1-10, 15-6-62, and 15-6-62.1 until official proof of death of a registered sexual offender; thereafter, the records shall be destroyed.

   (c.1) The Department of Community Supervision shall keep all records of sexual offenders in a secure facility in accordance with Code Sections 15-1-10, 15-6-62, and 15-6-62.1 until official proof of death of a registered sexual offender; thereafter, the records shall be destroyed.

4. No sexual offender shall be released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation until:
   1. The appropriate official has provided the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the sheriff’s office in the county where the sexual offender will be residing with the sexual offender’s required registration information and risk assessment classification level; and
   2. The sexual offender’s name has been added to the list of sexual offenders maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the sheriff’s office as required by this Code section.
5. Registration pursuant to this Code section shall be required by any individual who:
   1. Is convicted on or after July 1, 1996, of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor;
   2. Is convicted on or after July 1, 1996, of a dangerous sexual offense;
   3. Has previously been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor and may be released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation on or after July 1, 1996;
   4. Has previously been convicted of a sexually violent offense or dangerous sexual offense and may be released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation on or after July 1, 1996;
   5. Is a resident of Georgia who intends to reside in this state and who is convicted under the laws of another state or the United States, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or in a tribal court of a sexually violent offense, a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor on or after July 1, 1999, or a dangerous sexual offense on or after July 1, 1996;
   6. Is a nonresident who changes residence from another state or territory of the United States or any other place to Georgia who is required to register as a sexual offender under federal law, military law, tribal law, or the laws of another state or territory or who has been convicted in this state of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or any dangerous sexual offense;
   7. Is a nonresident sexual offender who enters this state for the purpose of employment or any other reason for a period exceeding 14 consecutive days or for an aggregate period of time exceeding 30 days during any calendar year regardless of whether such sexual offender is required to register under federal law, military law, tribal law, or the laws of another state or territory; or
   8. Is a nonresident sexual offender who enters this state for the purpose of attending school as a full-time or part-time student regardless of whether such sexual offender is required to register under federal law, military law, tribal law, or the laws of another state or territory.
6. Any sexual offender required to register under this Code section shall:
   1. Provide the required registration information to the appropriate official before being released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation;
   2. Register in person with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender resides within 72 hours after the sexual offender’s release from prison or placement on parole, supervised release, probation, or entry into this state;

      (2.1) In the case of a sexual offender whose place of residence is the status of homelessness, in lieu of the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection, register in person with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender sleeps within 72 hours after the sexual offender’s release from prison or placement on parole, supervised release, probation, or entry into this state and provide the location where he or she sleeps;

   3. Maintain the required registration information with the sheriff of each county in which the sexual offender resides or sleeps;
   4. Renew the required registration information with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender resides or sleeps by reporting in person to the sheriff within 72 hours prior to such offender’s birthday each year to be photographed and fingerprinted;

      (4.1) (For effective date, see note.) In the case of a sexual offender who resides in a state or privately operated hospice facility, skilled nursing home, or residential health care facility, with the approval of the sheriff of the county where such sexual offender resides, the sexual offender may satisfy the annual registration requirements of paragraph (4) of this subsection by registering at any time during the sexual offender’s month of birth. Additionally, in the case of a sexual offender who resides in a state or privately operated hospice facility, skilled nursing home, or residential health care facility, with the approval of the sheriff of the county where such sexual offender resides, such sexual offender shall not be required to be fingerprinted pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection but the sheriff shall be authorized to photograph the offender;

   5. Update the required registration information with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender resides within 72 hours of any change to the required registration information, other than where he or she resides or sleeps if such person is homeless. If the information is the sexual offender’s new address, the sexual offender shall give the information regarding the sexual offender’s new address to the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender last registered within 72 hours prior to any change of address and to the sheriff of the county to which the sexual offender is moving within 72 hours prior to establishing such new address. If the sexual offender is homeless and the information is the sexual offender’s new sleeping location, within 72 hours of changing sleeping locations, the sexual offender shall give the information regarding the sexual offender’s new sleeping location to the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender last registered, and if the county has changed, to the sheriff of the county to which the sexual offender has moved; and
   6. Continue to comply with the registration requirements of this Code section for the entire life of the sexual offender, excluding ensuing periods of incarceration.
7. A sexual offender required to register under this Code section may petition to be released from the registration requirements and from the residency or employment restrictions of this Code section in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 42-1-19.
8. 1. The appropriate official or sheriff shall, within 72 hours after receipt of the required registration information, forward such information to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Once the data is entered into the Criminal Justice Information System by the appropriate official or sheriff, the Georgia Crime Information Center shall notify the sheriff of the sexual offender’s county of residence, either permanent or temporary, the sheriff of the county of employment, and the sheriff of the county where the sexual offender attends an institution of higher education within 24 hours of entering the data or any change to the data.
   2. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall:
      1. Transmit all information, including the conviction data and fingerprints, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation within 24 hours of entering the data;
      2. Establish operating policies and procedures concerning record ownership, quality, verification, modification, and cancellation; and
      3. Perform mail out and verification duties as follows:
9. Send each month Criminal Justice Information System network messages to sheriffs listing sexual offenders due for verification;
   1. The sheriff’s office in each county shall:
      1. Prepare and maintain a list of all sexual offenders and sexually dangerous predators residing in each county. Such list shall include the sexual offender’s name; age; physical description; address; crime of conviction, including conviction date and the jurisdiction of the conviction; photograph; and the risk assessment classification level provided by the board, and an explanation of how the board classifies sexual offenders and sexually dangerous predators;
      2. Electronically submit and update all information provided by the sexual offender within two business days to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in a manner prescribed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation;
      3. Maintain and provide a list, manually or electronically, of every sexual offender residing in each county so that it may be available for inspection:
         1. In the sheriff’s office;
         2. In any county administrative building;
         3. In the main administrative building for any municipal corporation;
         4. In the office of the clerk of the superior court so that such list is available to the public; and
         5. On a website maintained by the sheriff of the county for the posting of general information;
      4. Update the public notices required by paragraph (3) of this subsection within two business days of the receipt of such information;
      5. Inform the public of the presence of sexual offenders in each community;
      6. Update the list of sexual offenders residing in the county upon receipt of new information affecting the residence address of a sexual offender or upon the registration of a sexual offender moving into the county by virtue of release from prison, relocation from another county, conviction in another state, federal court, military tribunal, or tribal court. Such list, and any additions to such list, shall be delivered, within 72 hours of updating the list of sexual offenders residing in the county, to all schools or institutions of higher education located in the county;
      7. Within 72 hours of the receipt of changed required registration information, notify the Georgia Bureau of Investigation through the Criminal Justice Information System of each change of information;
      8. Retain the verification form stating that the sexual offender still resides at the address last reported;
      9. Enforce the criminal provisions of this Code section. The sheriff may request the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to enforce the provisions of this Code section;
      10. Cooperate and communicate with other sheriffs’ offices in this state and in the United States to maintain current data on the location of sexual offenders;
      11. Determine the appropriate time of day for reporting by sexual offenders, which shall be consistent with the reporting requirements of this Code section;
      12. If required by Code Section 42-1-14, place any electronic monitoring system on the sexually dangerous predator and explain its operation and cost; and
      13. Provide current information on names and addresses of all registered sexual offenders to campus police with jurisdiction for the campus of an institution of higher education if the campus is within the sheriff’s jurisdiction.
10. 1. The sheriff of the county where the sexual offender resides or last registered shall be the primary law enforcement official charged with communicating the whereabouts of the sexual offender and any changes in required registration information to the sheriff’s office of the county or counties where the sexual offender is employed, volunteers, attends an institution of higher education, or moves.
    2. The sheriff’s office may post the list of sexual offenders in any public building in addition to those locations enumerated in subsection (h) of this Code section.
11. The Georgia Crime Information Center shall create the Criminal Justice Information System network transaction screens by which appropriate officials shall enter original data required by this Code section. Screens shall also be created for sheriffs’ offices for the entry of record confirmation data; employment; changes of residence, institutions of higher education, or employment; or other pertinent data to assist in sexual offender identification.
12. 1. On at least an annual basis, the Department of Education shall obtain from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation a complete list of the names and addresses of all registered sexual offenders and shall provide access to such information, accompanied by a hold harmless provision, to each school in this state. In addition, the Department of Education shall provide information to each school in this state on accessing and retrieving from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s website a list of the names and addresses of all registered sexual offenders.
    2. On at least an annual basis, the Department of Early Care and Learning shall provide current information to all child care programs regulated pursuant to Code Section 20-1A-10 and to all child care learning centers, day-care, group day-care, and family day-care programs regulated pursuant to Code Section 49-5-12 on accessing and retrieving from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s website a list of the names and addresses of all registered sexual offenders and shall include, on a continuing basis, such information with each application for licensure, commissioning, or registration for early care and education programs.
    3. On at least an annual basis, the Department of Human Services shall provide current information to all long-term care facilities for children on accessing and retrieving from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s website a list of the names and addresses of all registered sexual offenders.
13. Within ten days of the filing of a defendant’s discharge and exoneration of guilt pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, the clerk of court shall transmit the order of discharge and exoneration to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and any sheriff maintaining records required under this Code section.
14. Any individual who:
    1. Is required to register under this Code section and who fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section;
    2. Provides false information; or
    3. Fails to respond directly to the sheriff of the county where he or she resides or sleeps within 72 hours prior to such individual’s birthday

       shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than 30 years; provided, however, that upon the conviction of the second offense under this subsection, the defendant shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than 30 years.

15. The information collected pursuant to this Code section shall be treated as private data except that:
    1. Such information may be disclosed to law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes;
    2. Such information may be disclosed to government agencies conducting confidential background checks; and
    3. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation or any sheriff maintaining records required under this Code section shall, in addition to the requirements of this Code section to inform the public of the presence of sexual offenders in each community, release such other relevant information collected under this Code section that is necessary to protect the public concerning sexual offenders required to register under this Code section, except that the identity of a victim of an offense that requires registration under this Code section shall not be released.
16. The Board of Public Safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Crime Information Center to implement and carry out the provisions of this Code section.
17. Law enforcement agencies, employees of law enforcement agencies, and state officials shall be immune from liability for good faith conduct under this article.
18. Any violation of this Code section is declared to be a continuous offense, and venue for such offense shall be considered to have been committed in any county where:
    1. A sexual offender is required to register;
    2. An accused fails to comply with the requirements of this Code section; or
    3. An accused provides false information.

(i) Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;

(ii) Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;

(iii) Trafficking a person for sexual servitude in violation of Code Section 16-5-46;

(iv) Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;

(v) Sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vi) Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vii) Statutory rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-3, if the individual convicted of the offense is 21 years of age or older;

(viii) Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;

(ix) Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4, unless the person was convicted of a misdemeanor offense;

(x) Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5;

(xi) Sexual assault against persons in custody in violation of Code Section 16-6-5.1;

(xii) Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22;

(xiii) A second conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.1;

(xiv) Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2;

(xv) Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100;

(xvi) Electronically furnishing obscene material to minors in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.1;

(xvii) Computer pornography and child exploitation in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.2;

(xviii) Obscene telephone contact in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.3; or

(xix) Any conduct which, by its nature, is a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor or an attempt to commit a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.

(i) Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;

(ii) Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;

(iii) Trafficking an individual for sexual servitude in violation of Code Section 16-5-46;

(iv) Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;

(v) Sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vi) Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vii) Statutory rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-3, if the individual convicted of the offense is 21 years of age or older;

(viii) Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;

(ix) Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4, unless the person was convicted of a misdemeanor offense;

(x) Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5;

(xi) Sexual assault against persons in custody in violation of Code Section 16-6-5.1;

(xii) Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22;

(xiii) A second conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.1;

(xiv) Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2;

(xv) Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100;

(xvi) Electronically furnishing obscene material to minors in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.1;

(xvii) Computer pornography and child exploitation in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.2;

(xviii) Obscene telephone contact in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.3; or

(xix) Any conduct which, by its nature, is a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor or an attempt to commit a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.

(i) Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;

(ii) Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;

(iii) Trafficking an individual for sexual servitude in violation of Code Section 16-5-46;

(iv) Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;

(v) Sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vi) Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vii) Statutory rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-3, if the individual convicted of the offense is 21 years of age or older;

(viii) Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;

(ix) Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4, unless the person was convicted of a misdemeanor offense;

(x) Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5;

(xi) Improper sexual contact by employee or agent in the first or second degree in violation of Code Section 16-6-5.1, unless the punishment imposed was not subject to Code Section 17-10-6.2;

(xii) Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22;

(xiii) A second or subsequent conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.1;

(xiv) Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2;

(xv) Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100;

(xvi) Electronically furnishing obscene material to minors in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.1;

(xvii) Computer pornography and child exploitation in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.2;

(xviii) A second or subsequent conviction for obscene telephone contact in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.3; or

(xix) Any conduct which, by its nature, is a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor or an attempt to commit a sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.

(i) Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;

(ii) Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;

(iii) Trafficking an individual for sexual servitude in violation of Code Section 16-5-46;

(iv) Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;

(v) Sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vi) Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;

(vii) Statutory rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-3, if the individual convicted of the offense is 21 years of age or older;

(viii) Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;

(ix) Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;

(x) Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5;

(xi) Improper sexual contact by employee or agent in the first or second degree or improper sexual contact by person in a position of trust in the first or second degree in violation of Code Section 16-6-5.1, unless the punishment imposed was not subject to Code Section 17-10-6.2;

(xii) Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22;

(xiii) A second or subsequent conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.1;

(xiv) Aggravated sexual battery in violation of Code Section 16-6-22.2;

(xv) Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100;

(xvi) Computer pornography and child exploitation in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.2;

(xvii) A second or subsequent conviction for obscene telephone contact in violation of Code Section 16-12-100.3; or

(xviii) Any conduct which, by its nature, is a felony sexual offense against a victim who is a minor or an attempt to commit a felony sexual offense against a victim who is a minor.

(ii) Create a photo image file from original entries and provide such entries to sheriffs to assist in sexual offender identification and verification;

(iii) Mail a nonforwardable verification form to the last reported address of the sexual offender within ten days prior to the sexual offender’s birthday;

(iv) If the sexual offender changes residence to another state, notify the law enforcement agency with which the sexual offender shall register in the new state; and

(v) Maintain records required under this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-12 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1520, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 143, § 42; Ga. L. 1997, p. 380, § 1; Ga. L. 1998, p. 831, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 81, § 42; Ga. L. 1999, p. 837, § 1; Ga. L. 2001, p. 1004, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 571, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1400, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 2003, p. 140, § 42; Ga. L. 2003, p. 281, § 1; Ga. L. 2004, p. 645, § 5; Ga. L. 2004, p. 1064, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 2005, p. 453, § 1/HB 106; Ga. L. 2006, p. 72, § 42/SB 465; Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059; Ga. L. 2008, p. 680, §§ 2, 3/SB 1; Ga. L. 2008, p. 810, §§ 3, 4/SB 474; Ga. L. 2009, p. 8, § 42/SB 46; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 2-2/HB 228; Ga. L. 2010, p. 167, § 1/HB 651; Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, §§ 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11/HB 571; Ga. L. 2011, p. 752, § 42/HB 142; Ga. L. 2012, p. 173, § 2-9/HB 665; Ga. L. 2013, p. 135, § 10/HB 354; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-65/HB 310; Ga. L. 2015, p. 675, § 4-2/SB 8; Ga. L. 2017, p. 489, § 6/HB 341; Ga. L. 2019, p. 912, § 5/SB 9; Ga. L. 2020, p. 588, § 1/HB 983; Ga. L. 2021, p. 417, § 2/HB 495; Ga. L. 2021, p. 516, § 4/SB 117; Ga. L. 2022, p. 352, § 42/HB 1428.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, in paragraph (c)(5), inserted “in accordance with Code Sections 15-1-10, 15-6-62, and 15-6-62.1” and deleted “in accordance with Code Sections 15-1-10, 15-6-62, and 15-6-62.1” following “destroyed” at the end.

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, deleted “day-care centers,” following “pre-kindergarten facilities,” in paragraph (a)(6); redesignated former paragraph (a)(10.1) as present paragraph (a)(6.1); and, in paragraph (a)(6.1), substituted “Child care learning center” for “Day-care center” at the beginning, and substituted “paragraph (2)” for “paragraph (4)” near the end.

The 2015 amendments.

The first 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Department of Community Supervision” for “Division of Probation of the Department of Corrections” in subparagraph (a)(2)(A); and added subsection (c.1). See Editor’s notes for applicability. The second 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “occurring between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2015,” for “occurring after June 30, 2006,” in the introductory paragraph of subparagraph (a)(10)(B); deleted “prevention” following “child exploitation” in division (a)(10)(B)(xvii); and added subparagraph (a)(10)(B.1) and subsection (r).

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in subparagraph (a)(10)(B.1), substituted “between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017” for “after June 30, 2015” near the beginning, and substituted “subparagraph” for “paragraph” near the middle; and added subparagraph (a)(10)(B.2).

The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, substituted “between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019” for “after June 30, 2017” near the beginning of subparagraph (a)(10)(B.2); and added subparagraph (a)(10)(B.3).

The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, deleted “and” at the end of subparagraph (a)(16)(J); substituted “; and” for a period at the end of subparagraph (a)(16)(K); added subparagraph (a)(16)(L) and paragraph (f)(4.1); and, in subsection (i), added “and” at the end of paragraph (i)(12), substituted a period for “; and” at the end of paragraph (i)(13), and deleted former paragraph (i)(14), which read: “Collect the annual $250.00 registration fee from the sexual offender and transmit such fees to the state for deposit into the general fund.”

The 2021 amendments.

The first 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, added paragraph (a)(9.1). The second 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, substituted “occurring between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2021” for “occurring after June 30, 2019” near the beginning of subparagraph (a)(10)(B.3); and added subparagraph (a)(10)(B.4).

The 2022 amendment, effective May 2, 2022, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, revised punctuation in subparagraph (a)(10)(B.3).

Cross references.

Development of model program for educating students regarding online safety, § 20-2-149 .

Residing near and photographing minors by registered sexual offenders, § 42-1-15 .

Code Commission notes.

The amendment of this Code section by Ga. L. 2002, p. 571, § 1, irreconcilably conflicted with and was treated as superceded by Ga. L. 2002, p. 1400, § 2. See County of Butts v. Strahan, 151 Ga. 417 (1921).

The amendment of this Code section by Ga. L. 2006, p. 72, § 42/SB 465, irreconcilably conflicted with and was treated as superseded by Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059. See County of Butts v. Strahan, 151 Ga. 417 (1921).

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2020, a semicolon was substituted for a period at the end of paragraph (f)(4.1).

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2021, paragraph (a)(9.1) was redesignated as paragraph (a)(8.1) to maintain alphabetical order.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2004, p. 1064, § 2, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the amendment by that act shall apply to sentences imposed on or after July 1, 2004.

Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059, effective July 1, 2006, repealed the former Code section and enacted the current Code section covering substantially the same subject matter. The former Code section was based on Code 1981, § 42-1-12 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1520, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 143, § 42; Ga. L. 1997, p. 380, § 1; Ga. L. 1998, p. 831, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 81, § 42; Ga. L. 1999, p. 837, § 1; Ga. L. 2001, p. 1004, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 571, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1400, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 2003, p. 140, § 42; Ga. L. 2003, p. 281, § 1; Ga. L. 2004, p. 645, § 5; Ga. L. 2004, p. 1064, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 2005, p. 453, § 1/HB 106.

Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 30/HB 1059, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that: “(b) Any person required to register pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 42-1-12, relating to the state sexual offender registry, and any person required not to reside within areas where minors congregate, as prohibited by Code Section 42-1-13, shall not be relieved of the obligation to comply with the provisions of said Code sections by the repeal and reenactment of said Code sections.

“(c) The provisions of this Act shall not affect or abate the status as a crime of any such act or omission which occurred prior to the effective date of the Act repealing, repealing and reenacting, or amending such law, nor shall the prosecution of such crime be abated as a result of such repeal, repeal and reenactment, or amendment.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 675, § 1-1/SB 8, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Safe Harbor/Rachel’s Law Act.’ ”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 675, § 1-2/SB 8, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “(a) The General Assembly finds that arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating victimized children serves to retraumatize children and increases their feelings of low self esteem, making the process of recovery more difficult. The General Assembly acknowledges that both federal and state laws recognize that sexually exploited children are the victims of crime and should be treated as victims. The General Assembly finds that sexually exploited children deserve the protection of child welfare services, including family support, crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency housing services. The General Assembly finds that it is necessary and appropriate to adopt uniform and reasonable assessments and regulations to help address the deleterious secondary effects, including but not limited to, prostitution and sexual exploitation of children, associated with adult entertainment establishments that allow the sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol on premises and that provide to their patrons performances and interaction involving various forms of nudity. The General Assembly finds that a correlation exists between adult live entertainment establishments and the sexual exploitation of children. The General Assembly finds that adult live entertainment establishments present a point of access for children to come into contact with individuals seeking to sexually exploit children. The General Assembly further finds that individuals seeking to exploit children utilize adult live entertainment establishments as a means of locating children for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The General Assembly acknowledges that many local governments in this state and in other states found deleterious secondary effects of adult entertainment establishments are exacerbated by the sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol in such establishments.

“(b) The purpose of this Act is to protect a child from further victimization after he or she is discovered to be a sexually exploited child by ensuring that a child protective response is in place in this state. The purpose and intended effect of this Act in imposing assessments and regulations on adult entertainment establishments is not to impose a restriction on the content or reasonable access to any materials or performances protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article I, Section I, Paragraph V of the Constitution of this state.”

Administrative rules and regulations.

The Georgia Sexually Violent Offender Registry, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Georgia Crime Information Center Council, Practice and Procedure, Chapter 140-2.

Law reviews.

For annual survey article discussing developments in criminal law, see 52 Mercer L. Rev. 167 (2000).

For article on 2006 amendment of this Code section, see 23 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 11 (2006).

For survey article on criminal law, see 60 Mercer L. Rev. 85 (2008).

For article, “ ‘Sexting’ to Minors in a Rapidly Evolving Digital Age: Frix v. State Establishes the Applicability of Georgia’s Obscenity Statutes to Text Messages,” see 61 Mercer L. Rev. 1283 (2010).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 43 (2015).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For annual survey on criminal law, see 69 Mercer L. Rev. 73 (2017).

For article, “Disrupting Victim Exploitation,” see 69 Mercer L. Rev. 805 (2018).

For review of 1996 department of corrections legislation, see 13 Ga. U. L. Rev. 257 (1996).

For note, “A Mandate Without a Duty: The Apparent Scope of Georgia’s Megan’s Law,” see 15 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1131 (1999).

For note on the 2001 amendment to this Code section, see 18 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 227 (2001).

For note on the 2003 amendment to this section, see 20 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 217 (2003).

42-1-13. Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; composition; appointment; administration and duties; immunity from liability.

1. The Sexual Offender Registration Review Board shall be composed of three professionals licensed under Title 43 and knowledgeable in the field of the behavior and treatment of sexual offenders; at least one representative from a victims’ rights advocacy group or agency; and at least two representatives from law enforcement, each of whom is either employed by a law enforcement agency as a certified peace officer under Title 35 or retired from such employment. The members of the board shall be appointed by the commissioner of behavioral health and developmental disabilities for terms of four years. On and after July 1, 2006, successors to the members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor. Members of the board shall take office on the first day of September immediately following the expired term of that office and shall serve for a term of four years and until the appointment of their respective successors. No member shall serve on the board more than two consecutive terms. Vacancies occurring on the board, other than those caused by expiration of a term of office, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment to the position vacated for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor is appointed. Members shall be entitled to an expense allowance and travel cost reimbursement the same as members of certain other boards and commissions as provided in Code Section 45-7-21.
2. The board shall be attached to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for administrative purposes and, provided there is adequate funding, shall:
   1. Exercise its quasi-judicial, rule-making, or policy-making functions independently of the department and without approval or control of the department;
   2. Prepare its budget, if any, and submit its budgetary requests, if any, through the department; and
   3. Hire its own personnel, including, but not limited to, administrative personnel and clinical evaluators.
3. 1. The board shall acquire, collect, and analyze information, including, but not limited to, criminal history record information, in determining a sexual offender’s risk assessment as provided for under Code Section 42-1-14.
   2. The board may employ investigators under the board’s administration and supervision to complete the duties provided for under paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall maintain at least one position under the bureau’s administration and supervision which shall facilitate the provision of summarized criminal history record information to the board from the Georgia Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center.
4. Members of the board shall be immune from liability for good faith conduct under this article.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-13 , enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, §§ 3-2, 3-3/HB 228; Ga. L. 2012, p. 985, § 2/HB 895; Ga. L. 2021, p. 417, § 3/HB 495.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted “, including but not limited to administrative personnel and clinical evaluators” for “if authorized by the Constitution of this state or by statute or if the General Assembly provides or authorizes the expenditure of funds therefor” in paragraph (b)(3); added subsection (c); and redesignated former subsection (c) as present subsection (d).

The 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, in paragraph (b)(3), inserted a comma following “including” and “but not limited to”; and substituted the present provisions of subsection (c) for the former provisions, which read: “Any investigator who, as of June 30, 2012, was employed by the board shall be transferred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on July 1, 2012, and shall no longer be under the administration or supervision of the board, except as required to provide the board with information as set forth in paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Code Section 35-3-4. The executive director of the board shall arrange administratively for the transfer of any equipment relating to the transfer of such personnel.”

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2012, “paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Code Section 35-3-4” was substituted for “paragraph (14) of subsection (a) of Code Section 35-3-4” in the first sentence of subsection (c).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059, July 1, 2006, repealed the former Code section and enacted the current Code section. The former Code section, pertaining to registered sex offenders residing within areas in which minors congregate, was based on Code 1981, § 42-1-13 , enacted by Ga. L. 2003, p. 878, § 1. For present similar provisions, see Code Section 42-1-15 .

Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 30/HB 1059, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that: “(b) Any person required to register pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 42-1-12, relating to the state sexual offender registry, and any person required not to reside within areas where minors congregate, as prohibited by Code Section 42-1-13, shall not be relieved of the obligation to comply with the provisions of said Code sections by the repeal and reenactment of said Code sections.

“(c) The provisions of this Act shall not affect or abate the status as a crime of any such act or omission which occurred prior to the effective date of the Act repealing, repealing and reenacting, or amending such law, nor shall the prosecution of such crime be abated as a result of such repeal, repeal and reenactment, or amendment.”

Administrative rules and regulations.

The Georgia Sexually Violent Offender Registry, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Georgia Crime Information Center Council, Practice and Procedure, Chapter 140-2.

Law reviews.

For article on 2006 amendment of this Code section, see 23 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 11 (2006).

For annual survey on administrative law, see 64 Mercer L. Rev. 39 (2012).

For note, “Banishing Acts: How Far May States Go to Keep Convicted Sex Offenders Away from Children?,” see 40 Ga. L. Rev. 961 (2006).

42-1-14. Risk assessment classification; classification as “sexually dangerous predator”; electronic monitoring.

1. 1. The board shall determine the likelihood that a sexual offender will engage in another crime against a victim who is a minor or a dangerous sexual offense. The board shall make such determination for any sexual offender convicted on or after July 1, 2006, of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or a dangerous sexual offense and for any sexual offender incarcerated on July 1, 2006, but convicted prior to July 1, 2006, of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor. Any sexual offender who changes residence from another state or territory of the United States or any other place to this state and who is not already designated under Georgia law as a sexually dangerous predator, sexual predator, or sexually violent predator shall have his or her required registration information forwarded by the sheriff of his or her county of registration to the board for the purpose of risk assessment classification. The board shall also make such determination upon the request of a superior court judge for purposes of considering a petition to be released from registration restrictions or residency or employment restrictions as provided for in Code Section 42-1-19.
   2. A sexual offender shall be placed into Level I risk assessment classification, Level II risk assessment classification, or sexually dangerous predator classification based upon the board’s assessment criteria and information obtained and reviewed by the board. The sexual offender may provide the board with information, including, but not limited to, psychological evaluations, sexual history polygraph information, treatment history, and personal, social, educational, and work history, and may agree to submit to a psychosexual evaluation or sexual history polygraph conducted by the board. If the sexual offender has undergone treatment or supervision through the Department of Corrections or the Department of Community Supervision, such treatment records shall also be submitted to the board for evaluation. The prosecuting attorney shall provide the board with any information available to assist the board in rendering an opinion, including, but not limited to, criminal history and records related to previous criminal history. The board shall utilize the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to assist it in obtaining information relative to its evaluation of sexual offenders and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall provide the board with information as requested by the board. The board shall be authorized to obtain information from supervision records of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding such sexual offender, but such records shall remain confidential state secrets in accordance with Code Section 42-9-53 and shall not be made available to any other person or entity or be subject to subpoena unless declassified by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The clerk of court shall send a copy of the sexual offender’s conviction to the board and notify the board that a sexual offender’s evaluation will need to be performed. The board shall render its recommendation for risk assessment classification within:
      1. Sixty days of receipt of a request for an evaluation if the sexual offender is being sentenced pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section 17-10-6.2;
      2. Six months prior to the sexual offender’s proposed release from confinement if the offender is incarcerated;
      3. Sixty days of receipt of the required registration information from the sheriff when the sexual offender changes residence from another state or territory of the United States or any other place to this state and is not already classified;
      4. Sixty days if the sexual offender is sentenced to a probated or suspended sentence; and
      5. Ninety days if such classification is requested by the court pursuant to a petition filed under Code Section 42-1-19.
   3. The board shall notify the sexual offender by first-class mail of its determination of risk assessment classification and shall send a copy of such classification to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision, the sheriff of the county where the sexual offender is registered, and the sentencing court, if applicable.
2. If the board determines that a sexual offender should be classified as a Level II risk assessment classification or as a sexually dangerous predator, the sexual offender may petition the board to reevaluate his or her classification. To file a petition for reevaluation, the sexual offender shall be required to submit his or her written petition for reevaluation to the board within 30 days from the date of the letter notifying the sexual offender of his or her classification. The sexual offender shall have 60 days from the date of the notification letter to submit information as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section in support of the sexual offender’s petition for reevaluation. If the sexual offender fails to submit the petition or supporting documents within the time limits provided, the classification shall be final. The board shall notify the sexual offender by first-class mail of its decision on the petition for reevaluation of risk assessment classification and shall send a copy of such notification to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision, the sheriff of the county where the sexual offender is registered, and the sentencing court, if applicable.
3. A sexual offender who is classified by the board as a Level II risk assessment classification or as a sexually dangerous predator may file a petition for judicial review of his or her classification within 30 days of the date of the notification letter or, if the sexual offender has requested reevaluation pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section, within 30 days of the date of the letter denying the petition for reevaluation. The petition for judicial review shall name the board as defendant, and the petition shall be filed in the superior court of the county where the offices of the board are located. Within 30 days after service of the appeal on the board, the board shall submit a summary of its findings to the court and mail a copy, by first-class mail, to the sexual offender. The findings of the board shall be considered prima-facie evidence of the classification. The court shall also consider any relevant evidence submitted, and such evidence and documentation shall be mailed to the parties as well as submitted to the court. The court may hold a hearing to determine the issue of classification. The court may uphold the classification of the board, or, if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the sexual offender is not placed in the appropriate classification level, the court shall place the sexual offender in the appropriate risk assessment classification. The court’s determination shall be forwarded by the clerk of the court to the board, the sexual offender, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the sheriff of the county where the sexual offender is registered.
4. Any individual who was classified as a sexually violent predator prior to July 1, 2006, shall be classified as a sexually dangerous predator on and after July 1, 2006.
5. Any sexually dangerous predator shall be required to wear an electronic monitoring system that shall have, at a minimum:
   1. The capacity to locate and record the location of a sexually dangerous predator by a link to a global positioning satellite system;
   2. The capacity to timely report or record a sexually dangerous predator’s presence near or within a crime scene or in a prohibited area or the sexually dangerous predator’s departure from specific geographic locations; and
   3. An alarm that is automatically activated and broadcasts the sexually dangerous predator’s location if the global positioning satellite monitor is removed or tampered with by anyone other than a law enforcement official designated to maintain and remove or replace the equipment.

      Such electronic monitoring system shall be worn by a sexually dangerous predator for the remainder of his or her natural life. The sexually dangerous predator shall pay the cost of such system to the Department of Community Supervision if the sexually dangerous predator is under probation or parole supervision and to the sheriff after the sexually dangerous predator completes his or her term of probation and parole or if the sexually dangerous predator has moved to this state from another state, territory, or country. The electronic monitoring system shall be placed upon the sexually dangerous predator prior to his or her release from confinement. If the sexual offender is not in custody, within 72 hours of the decision classifying the sexual offender as a sexually dangerous predator in accordance with subsection (b) of this Code section, the sexually dangerous predator shall report to the sheriff of the county of his or her residence for purposes of having the electronic monitoring system placed on the sexually dangerous predator.

6. In addition to the requirements of registration for all sexual offenders, a sexually dangerous predator shall report to the sheriff of the county where such predator resides six months following his or her birth month and update or verify his or her required registration information.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-14 , enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059; Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 12/HB 571; Ga. L. 2010, p. 878, § 42/HB 1387; Ga. L. 2011, p. 752, § 42/HB 142; Ga. L. 2012, p. 985, § 3/HB 895; Ga. L. 2013, p. 1056, § 1/HB 122; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-66/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 8-1/SB 367.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, added the fifth sentence of paragraph (a)(2).

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, added the sixth sentence in paragraph (a)(2).

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, in paragraph (a)(2), in the third sentence, inserted “or supervision” and inserted “or the Department of Community Supervision”, inserted “State” preceding “Board of Pardons and Paroles” near the beginning of the sixth sentence; in paragraph (a)(3), substituted “sexual offender” for “sex offender” near the beginning, and inserted “the Department of Community Supervision,” in the middle; in subsection (b), inserted “the Department of Community Supervision,” near the end of the last sentence; and, in the second sentence of the undesignated language at the end of subsection (e), substituted “Department of Community Service if the sexually dangerous predator is under probation or parole supervision” for “Department of Corrections if the sexually dangerous predator is on probation; to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles if the sexually dangerous predator is on parole;”. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, substituted “Supervision” for “Service” in the second sentence of the undesignated paragraph of subsection (e).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 30/HB 1059, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that: “The provisions of this Act shall not affect or abate the status as a crime of any such act or omission which occurred prior to the effective date of the Act repealing, repealing and reenacting, or amending such law, nor shall the prosecution of such crime be abated as a result of such repeal, repeal and reenactment, or amendment.”

Ga. L. 2010, p. 878, § 54(e), not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “In the event of an irreconcilable conflict between a provision in Sections 1 through 53 of this Act and a provision of another Act enacted at the 2010 regular session of the General Assembly, the provision of such other Act shall control over the conflicting provision in Sections 1 through 53 of this Act to the extent of the conflict.” Accordingly, the amendment to subsection (a) of this Code section by Ga. L. 2010, 878, § 42, was not given effect.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on 2006 amendment of this Code section, see 23 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 11 (2006).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

For annual survey on criminal law, see 71 Mercer L. Rev. 69 (2019).

42-1-15. Restriction on registered offenders residing, working, or loitering within certain distance of child care facilities, churches, schools, or areas where minors congregate; penalty for violations; civil causes of action.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Individual” means a person who is required to register pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12.
   2. “Lease” means a right of occupancy pursuant to a written and valid lease or rental agreement.
   3. “Minor” means any person who is under 18 years of age.
   4. “Volunteer” means to engage in an activity in which one could be, and ordinarily would be, employed for compensation, and which activity involves working with, assisting, or being engaged in activities with minors; provided, however, that such term shall not include participating in activities limited to persons who are 18 years of age or older or participating in worship services or engaging in religious activities or activities at a place of worship that do not include supervising, teaching, directing, or otherwise participating with minors who are not supervised by an adult who is not an individual required to register pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12.
2. On and after July 1, 2008, no individual shall reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
3. 1. On and after July 1, 2008, no individual shall be employed by or volunteer at any child care facility, school, or church or by or at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, a school, or a church if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property of the location at which such individual is employed or volunteers to the outer boundary of the child care facility, school, or church at their closest points.
   2. On or after July 1, 2008, no individual who is a sexually dangerous predator shall be employed by or volunteer at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of an area where minors congregate if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property of the location at which the sexually dangerous predator is employed or volunteers to the outer boundary of the area where minors congregate at their closest points.
4. Notwithstanding any ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to Code Section 16-6-24 or subsection (d) of Code Section 16-11-36, it shall be unlawful for any individual or for any person who is or should be registered on another state’s sexual offender registry to loiter, as prohibited by Code Section 16-11-36, at any child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate.
5. 1. If an individual owns or leases real property and resides on such property and a child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such property, or if an individual has established employment at a location and a child care facility, church, or school thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such employment, or if a sexual predator has established employment and an area where minors congregate thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such employment, such individual shall not be guilty of a violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, as applicable, if such individual successfully complies with subsection (f) of this Code section.
   2. An individual owning or leasing real property and residing on such property or being employed within 1,000 feet of a prohibited location, as specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, shall not be guilty of a violation of this Code section if such individual had established such property ownership, leasehold, or employment prior to July 1, 2008, and such individual successfully complies with subsection (f) of this Code section.
6. 1. If an individual is notified that he or she is in violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, and if such individual claims that he or she is exempt from such prohibition pursuant to subsection (e) of this Code section, such individual shall provide sufficient proof demonstrating his or her exemption to the sheriff of the county where the individual is registered within ten days of being notified of any such violation.
   2. For purposes of providing proof of residence, the individual may provide a driver’s license, government issued identification, or any other documentation evidencing where the individual’s habitation is fixed. For purposes of providing proof of property ownership, the individual shall provide a copy of his or her warranty deed, quitclaim deed, or voluntary deed, or other documentation evidencing property ownership.
   3. For purposes of providing proof of a leasehold, the individual shall provide a copy of the applicable lease agreement. Leasehold exemptions shall only be for the duration of the executed lease.
   4. For purposes of providing proof of employment, the individual may provide an Internal Revenue Service Form W-2, a pay check, or a notarized verification of employment from the individual’s employer, or other documentation evidencing employment. Such employment documentation shall evidence the location in which such individual actually carries out or performs the functions of his or her job.
   5. Documentation provided pursuant to this subsection may be required to be date specific, depending upon the individual’s exemption claim.
7. Any individual who knowingly violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten nor more than 30 years.
8. Nothing in this Code section shall create, either directly or indirectly, any civil cause of action against or result in criminal prosecution of any person, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, or association other than an individual required to be registered under Code Section 42-1-12.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-15 , enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 680, § 4/SB 1; Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 13/HB 571; Ga. L. 2017, p. 347, § 1/SB 250.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, inserted “or for any person who is or should be registered on another state’s sexual offender registry” in the middle of subsection (d).

Editor’s notes.

This Code section formerly pertained to restriction on registered offenders residing, working, or loitering within certain distance of child care facilities, churches, schools, or areas where minors congregate; penalty for violations; civil causes of action. The former Code section was based on Ga. L. 2006, p. 379, § 24/HB 1059.

Law reviews.

For comment, “ ‘An Era of Human Zoning’: Banning Sex Offenders from Communities Through Residence and Work Restrictions,” see 57 Emory L.J. 1347 (2008).

For survey article on criminal law, see 60 Mercer L. Rev. 85 (2008).

For summary review article on zoning and land use law, see 60 Mercer L. Rev. 457 (2008).

For annual survey on criminal law, see 69 Mercer L. Rev. 73 (2017).

42-1-16. Definitions; employment restrictions for sexual offenders; penalties.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, school bus stops, and public and community swimming pools.
   2. “Individual” means a person who is required to register pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12.
   3. “Lease” means a right of occupancy pursuant to a written and valid lease or rental agreement.
   4. “Minor” means any person who is under 18 years of age.
2. Any individual who committed an act between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008, for which such individual is required to register shall not reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
3. 1. Any individual who committed an act between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008, for which such individual is required to register shall not be employed by any child care facility, school, or church or by or at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, a school, or a church. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property of the location at which such individual is employed to the outer boundary of the child care facility, school, or church at their closest points.
   2. Any individual who committed an act between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2008, for which such individual is required to register who is a sexually dangerous predator shall not be employed by any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of an area where minors congregate. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property of the location at which the sexually dangerous predator is employed to the outer boundary of the area where minors congregate at their closest points.
4. Notwithstanding any ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to Code Section 16-6-24 or subsection (d) of Code Section 16-11-36, it shall be unlawful for any individual to loiter, as prohibited by Code Section 16-11-36, at any child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate.
5. 1. If an individual owns or leases real property and resides on such property and a child care facility, church, school, or area where minors congregate thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such property, or if an individual has established employment at a location and a child care facility, church, or school thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such employment, or if a sexual predator has established employment and an area where minors congregate thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such employment, such individual shall not be guilty of a violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, as applicable, if such individual successfully complies with subsection (f) of this Code section.
   2. An individual owning or leasing real property and residing on such property or being employed within 1,000 feet of a prohibited location, as specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, shall not be guilty of a violation of this Code section if such individual had established such property ownership, leasehold, or employment prior to July 1, 2006, and such individual successfully complies with subsection (f) of this Code section.
6. 1. If an individual is notified that he or she is in violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this Code section, and if such individual claims that he or she is exempt from such prohibition pursuant to subsection (e) of this Code section, such individual shall provide sufficient proof demonstrating his or her exemption to the sheriff of the county where the individual is registered within ten days of being notified of any such violation.
   2. For purposes of providing proof of residence, the individual may provide a driver’s license, government issued identification, or any other documentation evidencing where the individual’s habitation is fixed. For purposes of providing proof of property ownership, the individual shall provide a copy of his or her warranty deed, quitclaim deed, or voluntary deed, or other documentation evidencing property ownership.
   3. For purposes of providing proof of a leasehold, the individual shall provide a copy of the applicable lease agreement. Leasehold exemptions shall only be for the duration of the executed lease.
   4. For purposes of providing proof of employment, the individual may provide an Internal Revenue Service Form W-2, a pay check, or a notarized verification of employment from the individual’s employer, or other documentation evidencing employment. Such employment documentation shall evidence the location in which such individual actually carries out or performs the functions of his or her job.
   5. Documentation provided pursuant to this subsection may be required to be date specific, depending upon the individual’s exemption claim.
7. Any individual who knowingly violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten nor more than 30 years.
8. Nothing in this Code section shall create, either directly or indirectly, any civil cause of action against or result in criminal prosecution of any person, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, or association other than an individual required to be registered under Code Section 42-1-12.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-16 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 14/HB 571.

42-1-17. Definitions; residency restrictions for sexual offenders; penalties.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Area where minors congregate” shall include all public and private parks and recreation facilities, playgrounds, skating rinks, neighborhood centers, gymnasiums, and similar facilities providing programs or services directed towards persons under 18 years of age.
   2. “Child care facility” means all public and private pre-kindergarten facilities, child care learning centers, and preschool facilities.
   3. “Individual” means a person who is required to register pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12.
   4. “Lease” means a right of occupancy pursuant to a written and valid lease or rental agreement.
   5. “Minor” means any person who is under 18 years of age.
2. Any individual who committed an act between June 4, 2003, and June 30, 2006, for which such individual is required to register shall not reside within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate. Such distance shall be determined by measuring from the outer boundary of the property on which the individual resides to the outer boundary of the property of the child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate at their closest points.
3. 1. If an individual owns or leases real property and resides on such property and a child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate thereafter locates itself within 1,000 feet of such property, such individual shall not be guilty of a violation of subsection (b) of this Code section if such individual successfully complies with subsection (d) of this Code section.
   2. An individual owning or leasing real property and residing on such property within 1,000 feet of a prohibited location, as specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, shall not be guilty of a violation of this Code section if such individual had established such property ownership or leasehold prior to June 4, 2003, and such individual successfully complies with subsection (d) of this Code section.
4. 1. If an individual is notified that he or she is in violation of subsection (b) of this Code section, and if such individual claims that he or she is exempt from such prohibition pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section, such individual shall provide sufficient proof demonstrating his or her exemption to the sheriff of the county where the individual is registered within ten days of being notified of any such violation.
   2. For purposes of providing proof of residence, the individual may provide a driver’s license, government issued identification, or any other documentation evidencing where the individual’s habitation is fixed. For purposes of providing proof of property ownership, the individual shall provide a copy of his or her warranty deed, quitclaim deed, or voluntary deed, or other documentation evidencing property ownership.
   3. For purposes of providing proof of a leasehold, the individual shall provide a copy of the applicable lease agreement. Leasehold exemptions shall only be for the duration of the executed lease.
   4. Documentation provided pursuant to this subsection may be required to be date specific, depending upon the individual’s exemption claim.
5. Any individual who knowingly violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years.
6. Nothing in this Code section shall create, either directly or indirectly, any civil cause of action against or result in criminal prosecution of any person, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, or association other than an individual required to be registered under Code Section 42-1-12.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-17 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 14/HB 571; Ga. L. 2013, p. 135, § 12/HB 354.

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, substituted “child care learning centers” for “day-care centers” near the end of paragraph (a)(2).

42-1-18. “Photograph” defined; photographing minor without consent of parent or guardian prohibited; penalty.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “photograph” means to take any picture, film or digital photograph, motion picture film, videotape, or similar visual representation or image of a person.
2. No person required to register as a sexual offender pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12 shall intentionally photograph a minor without the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian.
3. Any person who knowingly violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-18 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 14/HB 571; Ga. L. 2011, p. 505, § 1/HB 162.

42-1-19. Petition for release from registration requirements.

1. An individual required to register pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12 may petition a superior court for release from registration requirements and from any residency or employment restrictions of this article if the individual:
   1. Has completed all prison, parole, supervised release, and probation for the offense which required registration pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12; and
      1. Is confined to a hospice facility, skilled nursing home, residential care facility for the elderly, or nursing home;
      2. Is totally and permanently disabled as such term is defined in Code Section 49-4-80; or
      3. Is otherwise seriously physically incapacitated due to illness or injury;
   2. Was sentenced for a crime that became punishable as a misdemeanor on or after July 1, 2006, and meets the criteria set forth in subparagraphs (c)(1)(A) through (c)(1)(F) of Code Section 17-10-6.2;
   3. Is required to register solely because he or she was convicted of kidnapping or false imprisonment involving a minor and such offense did not involve a sexual offense against such minor or an attempt to commit a sexual offense against such minor. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “sexual offense” means any offense listed in division (a)(10)(B)(i) or (a)(10)(B)(iv) through (a)(10)(B)(xix) of Code Section 42-1-12; or
   4. Has completed all prison, parole, supervised release, and probation for the offense which required registration pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12 and meets the criteria set forth in subparagraphs (c)(1)(A) through (c)(1)(F) of Code Section 17-10-6.2.
2. 1. A petition for release pursuant to this Code section shall be filed in the superior court of the jurisdiction in which the individual was convicted; provided, however, that if the individual was not convicted in this state, such petition shall be filed in the superior court of the county where the individual resides.
   2. Such petition shall be served on the district attorney of the jurisdiction where the petition is filed, the sheriff of the county where the petition is filed, and the sheriff of the county where the individual resides. Service on the district attorney and sheriff may be had by mailing a copy of the petition with a proper certificate of service.
   3. If a petition for release is denied, another petition for release shall not be filed within a period of two years from the date of the final order on a previous petition.
3. 1. An individual who meets the requirements of paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be considered for release from registration requirements and from residency or employment restrictions.
   2. An individual who meets the requirements of paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section may be considered for release from registration requirements and from residency or employment restrictions only if:
      1. Ten years have elapsed since the individual completed all prison, parole, supervised release, and probation for the offense which required registration pursuant to Code Section 42-1-12; or
      2. The individual has been classified by the board as a Level I risk assessment classification, provided that if the board has not done a risk assessment classification for such individual, the court shall order such classification to be completed prior to considering the petition for release.
4. In considering a petition pursuant to this Code section, the court may consider:
   1. Any evidence introduced by the petitioner;
   2. Any evidence introduced by the district attorney or sheriff; and
   3. Any other relevant evidence.
5. The court shall hold a hearing on the petition if requested by the petitioner.
6. The court may issue an order releasing the individual from registration requirements or residency or employment restrictions, in whole or part, if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the individual does not pose a substantial risk of perpetrating any future dangerous sexual offense. The court may release an individual from such requirements or restrictions for a specific period of time. The court shall send a copy of any order releasing an individual from any requirements or restrictions to the sheriff and the district attorney of the jurisdiction where the petition is filed, to the sheriff of the county where the individual resides, to the Department of Corrections, to the Department of Community Supervision, and to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

History. Code 1981, § 42-1-19 , enacted by Ga. L. 2010, p. 168, § 15/HB 571; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-67/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, inserted “to the Department of Community Supervision,” in the last sentence of subsection (f). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-2-1. Creation.

There is created the Department of Corrections.

History. Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-3/HB 1176.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “As used in this chapter, the term:

“(1) ‘Board’ means the Board of Corrections.

“(2) ‘Commissioner’ means the commissioner of corrections.

“(3) ‘Department’ means the Department of Corrections.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Law reviews.

For article, “The Chevron Two-Step in Georgia’s Administrative Law,” see 46 Ga. L. Rev. 871 (2012).

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

42-2-2. Board members, officers, records, and compensation.

1. On and after July 1, 1983, the board shall consist of one member from each congressional district in the state and five additional members from the state at large. All members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The initial terms of members shall be as follows: two members representative of congressional districts and one at-large member shall be appointed for a term ending July 1, 1984; two members representative of congressional districts and one at-large member shall be appointed for a term ending July 1, 1985; two members representative of congressional districts and one at-large member shall be appointed for a term ending July 1, 1986; two members representative of congressional districts and one at-large member shall be appointed for a term ending July 1, 1987; and two members representative of congressional districts and one at-large member shall be appointed for a term ending July 1, 1988. Thereafter, all members appointed to the board by the Governor shall be appointed for terms of five years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy during the term of any member by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, the appointment of a successor by the Governor shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of such member.
2. The first members appointed under this Code section shall be appointed for terms which begin July 1, 1983. The members of the board serving on April 1, 1983, shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified.
3. The board shall annually elect one of its members as chairman and shall elect from its membership a secretary of the board. The secretary of the board shall keep adequate records and minutes of all business and official acts of the board. Records of the board shall be maintained in the office of the commissioner.
4. Each member of the Board of Corrections shall receive the sum provided for by Code Section 45-7-21 for each day of actual attendance at meetings of the board and for each day of travel as a member of a committee of the board. In addition, upon recommendation by the chairman or the board, each member shall receive for out-of-state travel actual expenses incurred in connection therewith and reimbursement for actual transportation costs while traveling by public carrier or the legal mileage rate for the use of a personal automobile in connection with such attendance. Such sums, expenses, and costs shall be paid from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Corrections.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 8; Ga. L. 1983, p. 507, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1986, p. 179, § 1.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1983, p. 507, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides as follows: “It is the intent of this Act to implement certain changes required by Article III, Section VI, Paragraph IV, subparagraph (b) of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.”

42-2-3. Board meetings.

The board shall meet once each month in the office of the commissioner, unless in the discretion of a majority of the board it is necessary or convenient to meet elsewhere to carry out the duties of the board. Special meetings may be held at such times and places as shall be specified by the call of the chairman of the board or by the commissioner. The secretary of the board shall give written notice of the time and place of all meetings of the board to each member of the board and to the commissioner. Meetings of the board shall be open to the public. However, the board may hold executive sessions pursuant to Chapter 14 of Title 50 whenever it, in its discretion, deems advisable. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 7; Ga. L. 1987, p. 457, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1426, § 1.

42-2-4. Department created.

There is created the Department of Corrections.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 1069, § 9; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

42-2-5. Administrative functions of department.

1. The department shall administer the state’s correctional institutions and the rehabilitative programs conducted therein.
2. The department shall provide The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia the data set forth in Code Section 15-12-40.1, without charge and in the electronic format requested.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 1069, § 15; Ga. L. 1978, p. 1647, § 4; Ga. L. 2014, p. 451, § 13/HB 776.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, designated the existing provisions as subsection (a) and added subsection (b).

Administrative rules and regulations.

Organization, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Board of Corrections, Administration, Chapter 125-1-1.

42-2-5.1. Special school district for school age youth.

1. In order to provide education for any school age youth incarcerated within any facility of the department, the department shall be considered a special school district which shall be given the same funding consideration for federal funds that school districts within this state are given. The special school district under the department shall have the powers, privileges, and authority exercised or capable of exercise by any other school district. The schools within the special school district shall be under the control of the commissioner, who shall serve as the superintendent of schools for such district, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section. The board shall serve as the board of education for such district. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the State Board of Education, shall establish education standards for the district. As far as is practicable, such standards shall adhere to the standards adopted by the State Board of Education for the education of school age youth, while taking into account:
   1. The overriding security needs of correctional institutions and other restrictions inherent to the nature of correctional facilities;
   2. The effect of limited funding on the capability of the department to meet certain school standards; and
   3. Existing juvenile education standards of the Correctional Education Association and the American Correctional Association, which shall be given primary consideration where any conflicts arise.
2. Any school within the department that is operated by a state charter school pursuant to a contract entered into in accordance with Code Section 20-2-2084.1 shall be under the control of the State Charter Schools Commission and the governing board of the state charter school, subject to any conditions in the contract. Any such school shall not be considered a part of the special school district established pursuant to this Code section.
3. The effect of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be to provide state funds to the special school district under the department through Part 4 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, except as otherwise provided in Code Section 20-2-2084.1.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-5.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 357, § 1; Ga. L. 2011, p. 632, § 3/HB 49; Ga. L. 2014, p. 34, § 1-6/SB 365; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 2-5/SB 367.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, substituted “department” for “Department of Corrections” in the first sentence of subsection (a) and in paragraph (a)(2); substituted “board” for “Board of Corrections” in the fourth sentence of subsection (a); and redesignated former subsection (c) as present subsection (a) of Code Section 42-2-5.2.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, in subsection (a), substituted “youth” for “youths” near the beginning and substituted “this” for “the” near the end, and, in the second sentence, added “, except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section”; added present subsection (b); redesignated former subsection (b) as present subsection (c); and added “, except as otherwise provided in Code Section 20-2-2084.1” at the end.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2014 amendment of this Code section, see 31 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 25 (2014)

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-2-5.2. Educational programs for adult offenders; awarding of Program and Treatment Completion Certificate.

1. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia or other relevant education agencies, shall provide overall direction of educational programs for adult offenders in the correctional system and shall exercise program approval authority. The board may enter into written agreements with other educational organizations and agencies in order to provide adult offenders with such education and employment skills most likely to encourage gainful employment and discourage return to criminal activity upon release. The board may also enter into agreements with other educational organizations and agencies to attain program certification for its vocational and technical education programs.
2. The board shall develop and implement programs to assist adult offenders with reentry into society upon release from prison. In addition to educational and vocational programs, reentry programs may include social and behavioral programs, substance abuse counseling, mentoring programs, financial planning, physical and mental health programs, and housing and federal assistance programs.
3. The board shall create a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate that may be issued to offenders under the rules and regulations of the board. Such certificate shall symbolize an offender’s achievements toward successful reentry into society. The board’s rules and regulations relating to the issuance of such certificate shall take into account an offender’s disciplinary record and any other factor the board deems relevant to an individual’s qualification for such certificate. The board’s rules and regulations shall specify eligibility considerations and requirements for completion of such certificate. An offender who was convicted of a serious violent felony, as such term is defined in Code Section 17-10-6.1, shall not be eligible for such certificate.
4. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to constitute a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the state, and no action shall be maintained against the state or any agency or department thereof for issuance of or failure to issue any Program and Treatment Completion Certificate.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-5.2 , enacted by Ga. L. 2014, p. 34, § 1-6/SB 365.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective July 1, 2014.

Cross references.

Presumptions in issuance of Program and Treatment Completion Certificate, § 51-1-54.

42-2-6. Office of commissioner created; general duties; appointment; compensation.

1. There is created the position of commissioner of corrections. The commissioner shall be the chief administrative officer of the department. Subject to the general policy established by the board, the commissioner shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions vested in the department by this title.
2. The commissioner shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. Beginning July 1, 1999, the salary of the commissioner shall be set by the Governor and the expenses and allowances of the commissioner shall be as set by statute.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 1069, § 11; Ga. L. 1978, p. 1647, § 2; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 910, § 2; Ga. L. 1999, p. 1213, § 3.

42-2-7. Duties of commissioner relating to department retirements.

The commissioner shall act for the department for and in compliance to any retirement provisions for the employees and officials of the department.

History. Ga. L. 1961, p. 124, § 1.

42-2-8. Additional duties of commissioner.

1. The commissioner shall direct and supervise all the administrative activities of the board and shall attend all meetings of the board. The commissioner shall also make, publish in print or electronically, and furnish to the General Assembly and to the Governor annual reports regarding the work of the board, along with such special reports as he or she may consider helpful in the administration of the penal system or as may be directed by the board. The commissioner shall perform such other duties and functions as are necessary or desirable to carry out the intent of this chapter and which he or she may be directed to perform by the board.
2. The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee shall be authorized to make and execute contracts and all other instruments necessary or convenient for the acquisition of professional and personal employment services and for the leasing of real property. Subject to legislative appropriations, the commissioner shall also be authorized to make and execute any contract for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state correctional institution or for any services pertaining to the custody, care, and control of inmates or other functions as are related to the discharge of these responsibilities and to designate any person or organization with whom the commissioner contracts as a law enforcement unit under paragraph (7) of Code Section 35-8-2.
3. The commissioner and any person designated and serving in the position of his or her chief of staff shall be authorized to issue a warrant for the arrest of an offender who has escaped from the custody of the department upon probable cause to believe the offender has violated Code Section 16-10-52, relating to escape from lawful confinement.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 9; Ga. L. 1958, p. 413, § 1; Ga. L. 1962, p. 689, § 1; Ga. L. 1966, p. 121, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 1448, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 691, § 1; Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 1/HB 313; Ga. L. 2010, p. 838, § 10/SB 388; Ga. L. 2016, p. 608, § 3/SB 270; Ga. L. 2016, p. 811, § 7/HB 874.

The 2016 amendments.

The first 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, inserted “and any person designated and serving in the position of his or her chief of staff” near the beginning of subsection (c). See Editor’s notes for applicability. The second 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, made identical changes. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2016, p. 608, § 6/SB 270, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that: “Section 3 of this Act shall become effective on July 1, 2016, and shall apply to offenses committed on or after such date.”

Ga. L. 2016, p. 811, § 9/HB 874, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that: “Section 7 of this Act shall become effective on July 1, 2016, and shall apply to offenses committed on or after such date.”

42-2-9. Selection of department personnel; establishment and maintenance of roster of employees.

The commissioner is authorized to appoint and employ such clerical force as is necessary to carry on the administration of the penal system. He may also employ such experts and technical help as are needed, along with assistants to the commissioner, wardens, superintendents, guards, and other employees necessary for the operation of the state operated institutions where inmates are confined. The commissioner shall establish and maintain in his office a complete roster of all employees in his office and in each of the various institutions operating under the authority of the board.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 10; Ga. L. 1984, p. 940, § 1.

42-2-10. Office of board, commissioner, and staff.

The executive office of the board and the commissioner shall be located in the City of Atlanta, and suitable quarters shall be assigned to the board and the commissioner and to his staff of employees.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 27.

42-2-11. Powers and duties of board; adoption of rules and regulations.

1. The board shall establish the general policy to be followed by the department and shall have the duties, powers, authority, and jurisdiction provided for in this title or as otherwise provided by law.
2. The board is authorized to adopt, establish, and promulgate rules and regulations governing the transaction of the business of the penal system of the state by the department and the commissioner and the administration of the affairs of the penal system in the different penal institutions coming under its authority and supervision and shall make the institutions as self-supporting as possible.
3. 1. The board shall adopt rules governing the assignment, housing, working, feeding, clothing, treatment, discipline, rehabilitation, training, and hospitalization of all inmates coming under its custody.
   2. 1. As used in this paragraph, the term:
         1. “Evidence based practices” means supervision policies, procedures, programs, and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduce recidivism among individuals who are under some form of correctional supervision.
         2. “Recidivism” means returning to prison or jail within three years of being placed on probation or being discharged or released from a department or jail facility.
      2. The board shall adopt rules and regulations governing the management and treatment of inmates coming under its custody to ensure that evidence based practices, including the use of a risk and needs assessment and any other method the board deems appropriate, guide decisions related to preparing inmates for release into the community. Any risk and needs assessment instrument shall be revalidated by January 1, 2019, and every five years thereafter. The board shall require the department to collect and analyze data and performance outcomes relevant to the level and type of treatment given to an inmate and the outcome of the treatment on his or her recidivism and prepare an annual report regarding such information which shall be submitted to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Judiciary Committee.
      3. Using evidence based practices, the board shall evaluate the quality of the programming utilized at all department facilities, except state prisons, by January 1, 2019, and every five years thereafter, and shall publicly publish its report.
4. The board shall also adopt rules and regulations governing the conduct and the welfare of the employees of the state institutions operating under its authority and of the county correctional institutions and correctional facilities or programs operating under its supervision. It shall prescribe the working hours and conditions of work for employees in the office of the commissioner and in institutions operating under the authority of the board.
5. The board shall also adopt rules and regulations governing the negotiation and execution of any contract for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state correctional institution or for any services pertaining to the custody, care, and control of inmates or other functions as are related to the discharge of these responsibilities.
6. The board shall adopt rules:
   1. Providing for the transfer to a higher security facility of each inmate who commits battery or aggravated assault against a correctional officer while in custody; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply in instances where the inmate is already incarcerated in a maximum security facility; and
   2. Specifying the procedures for offering department assistance to employees who are victims of battery or aggravated assault by inmates in filing criminal charges or civil actions against their assailants, including procedures for posting notices that such assistance is available to any employee who is subjected to battery or aggravated assault by an inmate, but not including legal representation of such employees.
7. All rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Code section shall be adopted, established, promulgated, amended, repealed, filed, and published in accordance with the applicable provisions and procedure as set forth in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.” The courts shall take judicial notice of any such rules or regulations.
8. As used in this Code section, the words “rules and regulations” shall have the same meaning as the word “rule” is defined in paragraph (6) of Code Section 50-13-2.
9. The board shall have the authority to request bids and proposals and to enter into contracts for the operation of probation detention centers by private companies and entities for the confinement of probationers under Code Section 42-8-35.4. The board shall have the authority to adopt, establish, and promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of probation detention centers by private companies and entities.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 11; Ga. L. 1969, p. 598, § 1; Ga. L. 1978, p. 1647, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, §§ 31, 60; Ga. L. 1983, p. 507, § 3; Ga. L. 1996, p. 691, § 2; Ga. L. 1996, p. 726, § 1; Ga. L. 2006, p. 727, § 1/SB 44; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-4/HB 1176; Ga. L. 2013, p. 141, § 42/HB 79; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-68/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 8-2/SB 367; Ga. L. 2017, p. 585, § 2-2/SB 174.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, designated the existing provisions of subsection (c) as paragraph (c)(1) and added paragraph (c)(2). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2013 amendment, effective April 24, 2013, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted “House Committee on State Properties” for “House Committee on State Institutions and Property” near the end of the last sentence of subparagraph (c)(2)(B).

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, in subparagraph (c)(2)(B), in the first sentence, substituted “inmates coming under its custody” for “inmates and probationers” near the middle, and deleted “and managing probationers in the community” at the end, and deleted “or probationer” following “an inmate” near the middle of the second sentence. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, in subsection (i), deleted “and probation diversion centers for the confinement of probationers under Code Section 42-8-35.5” following “Code Section 42-8-35.4” at the end of the first sentence and deleted “and probation diversion” preceding “centers” near the end of the second sentence.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in subparagraph (c)(2)(B), inserted the second sentence and substituted “House Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Judiciary Committee” for “House Committee on State Properties and the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee” at the end of the last sentence; and added subparagraph (c)(2)(C).

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1996, subsection (g) as enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 726, § 1, was redesignated as subsection (f) and subsections (f) and (g) as enacted by Ga. L. 1996, 691, § 2, were redesignated as subsections (g) and (h), respectively.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1983, p. 507, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides as follows: “It is the intent of this Act to implement certain changes required by Article III, Section VI, Paragraph IV, subparagraph (b) of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.”

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For note, “Behind Closed Doors: An Empirical Inquiry Into the Nature of Prison Discipline in Georgia,” see 8 Ga. L. Rev. 919 (1974).

For review of 1996 department of corrections legislation, see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 253 (1996).

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

For article on the 2017 amendment of this Code section, see 34 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 115 (2017).

42-2-12. Reasonableness of rules and regulations.

All rules and regulations enacted by the board under the authority of this chapter must be reasonable.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 12.

42-2-13. Grants to municipal corporations and counties for local jails and correctional institutions.

1. The commissioner may make grants of funds to municipal corporations and counties for establishing, constructing, and operating local jails and correctional institutions. Any such grant shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, state payments made pursuant to Code Section 42-5-51 and Code Section 42-5-53. The commissioner shall make such grants where the recipient, sum, and purpose have been specified by appropriation. From funds generally available for such grants, but when such funds are available without specification other than general purpose, the commissioner shall allocate such funds according to criteria established by the commissioner, including, but not limited to, overpopulation, innovativeness, efficiency, multigovernment involvement, and readiness.
2. Pursuant to Article VII, Section III, Paragraph III of the Constitution and as otherwise may be authorized, all grants similar to grants provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section made by the department before March 15, 1988, are ratified, confirmed, and approved.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-13 , enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 256, § 1; Ga. L. 1989, p. 14, § 42; Ga. L. 1990, p. 8, § 42.

42-2-14. Power of Governor to declare state of emergency with regard to jail and prison overcrowding.

The Governor, upon certification by the commissioner of corrections and approval by the director of the Office of Planning and Budget that the population of the prison system of the State of Georgia has exceeded the capacity of the prison system for any period of 90 consecutive days, beginning at any time after December 31, 1988, may declare a state of emergency with regard to jail and prison overcrowding. Following the declaration of such emergency, the department may establish additional facilities for use by the department, such facilities to be either of a permanent type of construction or of a temporary or movable type as the department may find most advantageous to the particular needs, to the end that the inmates under its supervision may be so distributed throughout the state as to facilitate individualization of treatment designed to prepare them for lawful living in the community where they are most likely to reside after their release from a correctional facility. For this purpose, the department may purchase or lease sites and suitable lands and erect necessary buildings thereon or purchase or lease existing facilities, all within the limits of appropriations as approved by the General Assembly. With the approval of the Governor, provisions of Chapter 5 of Title 50, relating to the Department of Administrative Services, or provisions of Code Section 50-6-25 or Chapter 22 of Title 50, relating to control over acquisition of professional services, may be waived by the department to facilitate the rapid construction or procurement of facilities for inmates; provided, however, that the authority to waive provisions of Code Section 50-6-25 shall terminate as of July 1, 1991. During any year in which correctional facilities are constructed or procured under this Code section and any requirements are waived, the department shall furnish the Governor and the General Assembly with a detailed report specifying the facilities constructed or procured, the requirements waived, and the reasons therefor.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-14 , enacted by Ga. L. 1989, p. 57, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 135, § 1; Ga. L. 2012, p. 775, § 42/HB 942.

The 2012 amendment, effective May 1, 2012, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, deleted “provisions, other than bonding requirements, of Chapter 3 of this title, known as the ‘Georgia Building Authority (Penal) Act,’ ” preceding “provisions of Chapter 5” in the fourth sentence of this Code section.

Law reviews.

For note on 1989 enactment of this Code section, see 6 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 287 (1989).

42-2-15. Employee benefit fund.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Employee” means a full-time or part-time employee of the department or an employee serving under contract with the department.
   2. “Employee benefit fund” means an account containing the facility’s profits generated from vending services maintained by a local facility.
   3. “Executive director of the facility” means the warden, superintendent, or such other head of a facility.
   4. “Facility” means a prison, institution, detention center, or such other similar property under the jurisdiction or operation of the department.
   5. “Vending services” means one or more vending machines in a location easily accessible by employees, which services may also be accessible by members of the general public, but which vending machines do not require a manager or attendant for the purpose of purchasing food or drink items. Vending services shall be for the provision of snack or food items or nonalcoholic beverages and shall not include any tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide an employee benefit as set forth in this Code section which benefit shall be of de minimis cost to the state and which shall in turn benefit the state through the retention of dedicated and experienced employees.
3. Any other provision of the law notwithstanding, a facility is authorized to purchase vending machines or enter into vending service agreements by contract, sublease, or license for the purpose of providing vending services to each facility under the jurisdiction of the department. Vending services shall be provided in any facility where the operation of such vending services is capable of generating a profit for that facility. The facility’s profits generated from the vending services shall be maintained by the local facility under the authority of the executive director of the facility in an interest-bearing account and the account shall be designated the “employee benefit fund.”
4. The fund shall be administered by a committee of five representatives of the facility to be selected by the executive director of the facility. Funds from the account may be spent as determined by a majority vote of the committee. Funds may be expended on an individual employee of the facility for the purpose of recognizing a death, birth, marriage, or prolonged illness or to provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster or devastation adversely affecting an employee or an employee’s immediate family member. Funds may also be expended on an item or activity which shall benefit all employees of the facility equally for the purposes of developing camaraderie or otherwise fostering loyalty to the department or bringing together the employees of the facility for a meeting, training session, or similar gathering. Funds spent for an individual employee shall not exceed $250.00 per person per event and funds expended for employee gatherings or items shall not exceed $1,000.00 per event or single item; provided, however, that events conducted for the benefit of employees of an entire institution shall not exceed $4,500.00 per event.
5. The employee benefit fund account of each facility shall be reviewed and audited by the administrative office of the local facility and by the department in accordance with standards and procedures established by the department. No account shall maintain funds in excess of $5,000.00. Any funds collected which cause the fund balance to exceed $5,000.00 shall be remitted to the department’s general operating budget.
6. Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit a facility from purchasing vending machines or providing or maintaining vending services which do not generate a profit, provided that such services are of no cost to the department, nor shall this Code section be construed so as to prohibit a private provider of vending services from making or retaining a profit pursuant to any agreement for such services.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-15 , enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 332, § 1/HB 1318; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-69/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 8-3/SB 367.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, deleted “chief probation official,” following “superintendent,” in paragraph (a)(3); and deleted “probation office,” following “diversion center,” in paragraph (a)(4). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, deleted “diversion center,” following “detention center,” in paragraph (a)(4).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-2-16. Retaining department issued weapons.

1. An employee leaving the service of the department under honorable conditions who has accumulated 20 or more years of service with the department as a certified officer shall be entitled as part of such employee’s compensation to retain his or her department issued weapon.
2. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-2-16 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 82, § 1/HB 482.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective July 1, 2013.

42-3-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

1. “Board” means the Board of Community Supervision.
2. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of community supervision.
3. “Community supervision officer” means an individual employed by DCS who supervises probationers or parolees.
4. “DCS” means the Department of Community Supervision.
5. “Split sentence” means any felony sentence that includes a term of imprisonment followed by a term of probation.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-2. Board of Community Supervision created; membership; creation of Program and Treatment Completion Certificate; adoption of rules and regulations; duties.

1. There is created the Board of Community Supervision which shall establish the general policy to be followed by the Department of Community Supervision. The powers, functions, and duties of the Board of Corrections as they exist on June 30, 2015, with regard to the probation division of the Department of Corrections and supervision of probationers unless otherwise provided in this chapter are transferred to the Board of Community Supervision effective July 1, 2015. The powers, functions, and duties of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as they exist on June 30, 2015, with regard to the supervision of parolees, unless otherwise provided in this chapter are transferred to the Board of Community Supervision effective July 1, 2015. The powers, functions, and duties of the Board of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Juvenile Justice as they exist on June 30, 2016, with regard to the probation supervision of children and reentry services for children who have been released from restrictive custody and who were adjudicated for a Class A designated felony act or Class B designated felony act, as such terms are defined in Code Section 15-11-2, are transferred to the Board of Community Supervision effective July 1, 2016, except as otherwise provided by the rules and regulations of the Board of Juvenile Justice governing such supervision. The powers, functions, and duties of the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council as they exist on June 30, 2015, are transferred to the Board of Community Supervision effective July 1, 2015. The powers, functions, and duties of the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry as they exist on June 30, 2016, with regard to reentry services are transferred to the board and DCS effective July 1, 2016. The powers, functions, and duties of the board that were transferred from the former County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council as it existed on June 30, 2015, to the board are transferred to DCS effective July 1, 2016; provided, however, that the power to set policy and promulgate rules and regulations for DCS shall be retained by the board.
2. The board shall consist of 11 members. The commissioner of corrections, commissioner of juvenile justice, chairperson and vice chairperson of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, director of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, and commissioner of behavioral health and developmental disabilities shall be members of the board and shall serve on the board so long as they remain in their appointed positions. The Governor shall appoint:
   1. A sheriff who shall serve an initial term ending June 30, 2019, each subsequent term being four years;
   2. A mayor or city manager who shall serve an initial term ending June 30, 2018, each subsequent term being four years;
   3. A county commissioner or county manager who shall serve an initial term ending June 30, 2017, each subsequent term being four years;
   4. An individual who owns or is employed by a private corporation, private enterprise, private agency, or other private entity that is providing probation supervision services pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 8 of this title who shall serve an initial term ending June 30, 2019, each subsequent term being four years; and
   5. An individual who is employed by a governing authority of a county, municipality, or consolidated government that is providing probation supervision services pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 8 of this title who shall serve an initial term ending June 30, 2018, each subsequent term being four years.
3. Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment by the Governor in the same manner as the appointment to the position on the board which becomes vacant. An appointment to fill a vacancy, other than by expiration of a term of office, shall be for the balance of the unexpired term.
4. Members of the board may be removed from office under the same conditions for removal from office of members of professional licensing boards provided in Code Section 43-1-17.
5. There shall be a chairperson of the board, elected by and from the membership of the board, who shall be the presiding officer of the board.
6. The members of the board shall receive per diem and expenses as shall be set and approved by the Office of Planning and Budget and in conformance with rates and allowances set for members of other state boards.
7. 1. As used in this subsection, the term:
      1. “Evidence based practices” means supervision policies, procedures, programs, and practices that scientific research demonstrates reduce recidivism among individuals who are under some form of correctional supervision.
      2. “Recidivism” means returning to prison or jail within three years of being placed on probation or being discharged or released from a department or jail facility.
   2. The board shall adopt rules and regulations governing the management and treatment of probationers and parolees to ensure that evidence based practices, including the use of a risk and needs assessment and any other method the board deems appropriate, guide decisions related to managing probationers and parolees in the community. Any risk and needs assessment instrument shall be revalidated by January 1, 2019, and every five years thereafter. The board shall require DCS to collect and analyze data and performance outcomes relevant to the level and type of treatment given to a probationer or parolee and the outcome of the treatment on his or her recidivism and prepare an annual report regarding such information which shall be submitted to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Judiciary Committee.
   3. Using evidence based practices, the board shall evaluate the quality of the programming utilized at day reporting centers by January 1, 2019, and every five years thereafter, and shall publicly publish its report.
8. 1. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia or other relevant educational organizations and agencies, may provide educational programs for probationers and shall exercise program approval authority. The board may enter into written agreements with other educational organizations and agencies in order to provide probationers with such education and employment skills most likely to encourage gainful employment and discourage return to criminal activity. The board may also enter into agreements with other educational organizations and agencies to attain program certification for its vocational and technical education programs.
   2. The board shall create a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate that may be issued to probationers under the rules and regulations of the board. Such certificate shall symbolize a probationer’s achievements toward successful reentry into society. The board’s rules and regulations relating to the issuance of such certificate shall take into account a probationer’s violations of the terms of his or her probation and any other factor the board deems relevant to an individual’s qualification for such certificate. The board’s rules and regulations shall specify eligibility considerations and requirements for completion of such certificate.
   3. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to constitute a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the state, and no action shall be maintained against the state or any agency or department thereof for issuance of or failure to issue any Program and Treatment Completion Certificate.
9. The board shall adopt rules and regulations and such rules and regulations shall be adopted, established, promulgated, amended, repealed, filed, and published in accordance with the applicable provisions and procedure as set forth in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.” The courts shall take judicial notice of any such rules or regulations.
10. As used in this Code section, the term “rules and regulations” shall have the same meaning as the word “rule” as defined in paragraph (6) of Code Section 50-13-2.
11. The board shall perform duties required of it by law and shall, in addition thereto, be responsible for promulgation of all rules and regulations not in conflict with this chapter that may be necessary and appropriate to the administration of DCS, to the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title, and to the performance of the duties and functions of DCS as set forth in this chapter and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-2 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-1/SB 367; Ga. L. 2017, p. 585, § 2-3/SB 174.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, in subsection (a), deleted “and the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry” following “Community Supervision” at the end of the first sentence, in the fourth sentence, inserted “and reentry services for children” and inserted “, except as otherwise provided by the rules and regulations of the Board of Juvenile Justice governing such supervision” at the end, and added the last two sentences; in subsection (b), substituted “11 members” for “nine members” at the end of the first sentence, deleted “and” at the end of paragraph (b)(2), substituted a semicolon for a period at the end of paragraph (b)(3), and added paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5); and, in subsection (j), twice deleted “and the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry” following “DCS”.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, substituted “department” for “Department of Corrections” in subparagraph (g)(1)(B); in paragraph (g)(2), added the second sentence, and substituted “House Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Judiciary Committee” for “House Committee on State Properties and the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee” at the end of the last sentence; added paragraph (g)(3); added present subsection (h); and redesignated former subsections (h) through (j) as present subsections (i) through (k), respectively.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

For article on the 2017 amendment of this Code section, see 34 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 115 (2017).

42-3-3. Department of Community Supervision created; responsibilities.

1. There is created the Department of Community Supervision. DCS shall be the agency primarily responsible for:
   1. Supervision of all defendants who receive a felony sentence of straight probation;
   2. Supervision of all defendants who receive a split sentence;
   3. Supervision of all defendants placed on parole or other conditional release from imprisonment by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles;
   4. Supervision of juvenile offenders released from restrictive custody due to an adjudication for a Class A designated felony act or Class B designated felony act, as such terms are defined in Code Section 15-11-2, except as otherwise provided by the rules and regulations of the Board of Juvenile Justice governing such supervision;
   5. Administration of laws, rules, and regulations relating to probation and parole supervision, as provided for by law;
   6. Enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations relating to probation and parole supervision, as provided for by law;
   7. Administration of laws as provided in this chapter and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title;
   8. Regulating entities and individuals that provide probation supervision services pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 8 of this title;
   9. Reviewing the uniform professional standards for private probation officers and uniform contract standards for private probation contracts established in Code Section 42-8-107 and submit a report with its recommendations to the board. DCS shall submit its initial report on or before January 1, 2018, and shall continue such reviews every two years thereafter. Such report shall provide information which will allow the board to review the effectiveness of the uniform professional standards and uniform contract standards and, if necessary, to revise such standards;
   10. Producing an annual summary report; and
   11. Administering laws, rules, and regulations relating to misdemeanor probation supervision pursuant to Article 6 of Chapter 8 of this title.
2. DCS shall ensure that community supervision officers who supervise juvenile offenders receive the same training to work specifically with children and adolescents as is provided for Department of Juvenile Justice probation officers. DCS shall offer the same array of services to juvenile offenders as are available to offenders who are committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice who are not placed in restrictive custody. With respect to the supervision of children, DCS shall be mindful of the purpose of Chapter 11 of Title 15 as set forth in Code Section 15-11-1.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-3 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-2/SB 367.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, near the beginning of paragraph (a)(4), substituted “released from” for “when such offender had been placed in” and at the end substituted “except as otherwise provided by the rules and regulations of the Board of Juvenile Justice governing such supervision” for “and is released from such custody”; deleted “and” at the end of paragraph (a)(6); substituted “and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title” for a period at the end of paragraph (a)(7); and added paragraphs (a)(8) through (a)(11).

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-4. Commissioner of community supervision; duties.

1. There shall be a commissioner of community supervision who shall be both appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Subject to the policies, rules, and regulations established by the board, the commissioner shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions of DCS.
2. The commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be set by the Governor which shall be his or her total compensation for services as commissioner. The commissioner shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred by him or her in carrying out his or her official duties.
3. The position of commissioner shall be a separate and distinct position from any other position in state government. The duties of the commissioner shall be performed by the commissioner and not by any other officer of state government, and the commissioner shall not perform the duties of any other officer of state government.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-4 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-5. Administrative functions of department.

1. The commissioner, with the approval of the board, may establish units within DCS as he or she deems proper for its administration and shall designate persons to be assistant commissioners of each unit and to exercise authority as he or she may delegate to them in writing. The commissioner shall establish an offender transition and reentry unit within DCS to coordinate successful offender reentry in this state, reduce recidivism, enhance public safety through collaboration among stakeholders, and assist in ensuring the appropriate and responsible use of cost savings realized by justice reforms through reinvestment in evidence based, community centered services. The commissioner shall establish a misdemeanor probation unit within DCS to coordinate and oversee services provided under Article 6 of Chapter 8 of this title. The commissioner shall establish a victim services unit within DCS to coordinate:
   1. Payment of court ordered restitution; and
   2. Victim services, including, but not limited to, payments available to victims as provided by law and assisting victims with support services.
2. The commissioner shall have the authority to employ as many individuals as he or she deems necessary for the administration of DCS and for the discharge of the duties of his or her office. The commissioner shall issue all necessary directions, instructions, orders, and rules applicable to employees of DCS. The commissioner shall have authority, as the commissioner deems proper, to employ, assign, compensate, and discharge employees of DCS within the limitations of DCS’s appropriation and the restrictions set forth by law.
3. No employee of DCS shall be compensated for services to DCS on a commission or contingent fee basis.
4. Neither the commissioner nor any community supervision officer or employee of DCS shall be given or receive any fee, compensation, loan, gift, or other thing of value in addition to the compensation and expense allowance provided by law for any service or pretended service either rendered or to be rendered as commissioner or as a community supervision officer or employee of DCS.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-5 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-3/SB 367.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, added the second and third sentences in subsection (a).

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-6. Rules and regulations.

1. The commissioner, with the approval of the board, shall have the power to make and publish reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with this title or other laws or with the Constitution of this state or of the United States for the administration of this chapter or any law which it is his or her duty to administer.
2. The commissioner may prescribe forms as he or she deems necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title or any law which it is his or her duty to administer.
3. The commissioner may confer all powers of a police officer of this state, including, but not limited to, the power to make summary arrests for violations of any of the criminal laws of this state and the power to carry weapons, upon persons in the commissioner’s employment as the commissioner deems necessary, provided that individuals so designated meet the requirements specified in all applicable laws.
4. The commissioner or his or her designee may authorize certain persons in the commissioner’s employment to assist law enforcement officers or correctional officers of local governments in preserving order and peace when so requested by such local authorities.
5. The following rules and regulations shall remain in full force and effect as rules and regulations of DCS until amended, repealed, or superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the board:
   1. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the Advisory Council for Probation which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the state-wide probation system to DCS;
   2. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the Department of Corrections or the Board of Corrections which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the Department of Corrections to DCS;
   3. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to DCS;
   4. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the Department of Juvenile Justice or the Board of Juvenile Justice which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the Department of Juvenile Justice to DCS;
   5. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council to DCS; and
   6. All rules and regulations previously adopted by the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry to DCS.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-6 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-4/SB 367.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, deleted “and” at the end of paragraph (e)(4); substituted “; and” for a period at the end of paragraph (e)(5); and added paragraph (e)(6).

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-7. Transfer of prior appropriations, personnel, equipment, and facilities; probation and parole not affected by creation of department.

1. Appropriations to the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry for functions transferred to DCS pursuant to this chapter shall be transferred to DCS as provided for in Code Section 45-12-90. Personnel, equipment, and facilities previously employed by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry for functions transferred to DCS pursuant to this chapter shall likewise be transferred to DCS. Any disagreement as to any of such transfers shall be resolved by the Governor. Any individual who is employed by the Department of Corrections as a probation officer or probation supervisor or by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as a parole officer on or before July 1, 2016, and who is required by the terms of his or her employment to comply with the requirements of Chapter 8 of Title 35, the “Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act,” may remain in the employment of the employing agency but shall be transferred for administrative purposes only to DCS on July 1, 2015.
2. The enactment of this chapter and the Act by which it is enacted shall not affect or abate the status of probation, parole, a probation revocation, or a parole revocation which occurred prior to July 1, 2015.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-7 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-5/SB 367.

The 2016 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, in subsection (a), twice substituted “the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry” for “and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles” and inserted “State” in the last sentence.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 amendment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-8. Employee benefit fund.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Employee” means a full-time or part-time employee of DCS or an employee serving under contract with DCS.
   2. “Employee benefit fund” means an account containing the facility’s profits generated from vending services maintained by a local facility.
   3. “Executive director of the facility” means the chief community supervision officer or such other head of a facility.
   4. “Facility” means a community supervision office or such other similar property under the jurisdiction or operation of DCS.
   5. “Vending services” means one or more vending machines in a location easily accessible by employees, which services may also be accessible by members of the general public, but which vending machines do not require a manager or attendant for the purpose of purchasing food or drink items. Vending services shall be for the provision of snack or food items or nonalcoholic beverages and shall not include any tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
2. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide an employee benefit as set forth in this Code section, which benefit shall be of de minimis cost to the state and which shall in turn benefit the state through the retention of dedicated and experienced employees.
3. Any other provision of the law notwithstanding, a facility is authorized to purchase vending machines or enter into vending service agreements by contract, sublease, or license for the purpose of providing vending services to each facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections. Vending services shall be provided in any facility where the operation of such vending services is capable of generating a profit for that facility. The facility’s profits generated from the vending services shall be maintained by the local facility under the authority of the executive director of the facility in an interest-bearing account, and the account shall be designated the employee benefit fund.
4. The employee benefit fund shall be administered by a committee of five representatives of the facility to be selected by the chief community supervision officer for such facility. Funds from the account may be spent as determined by a majority vote of the committee. Funds may be expended on an individual employee of the facility for the purpose of recognizing a death, birth, marriage, or prolonged illness or to provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster or devastation adversely affecting an employee or an employee’s immediate family member. Funds may also be expended on an item or activity which shall benefit all employees of the facility equally for the purposes of developing camaraderie or otherwise fostering loyalty to DCS or bringing together the employees of the facility for a meeting, training session, or similar gathering. Funds spent for an individual employee shall not exceed $250.00 per person per event, and funds expended for employee gatherings or items shall not exceed $1,000.00 per event or single item; provided, however, that events conducted for the benefit of employees of an entire institution shall not exceed $4,500.00 per event.
5. The employee benefit fund account of each facility shall be reviewed and audited by the administrative office of the local facility and by DCS in accordance with standards and procedures established by DCS. No account shall maintain funds in excess of $5,000.00. Any funds collected which cause the fund balance to exceed $5,000.00 shall be remitted to DCS’s general operating budget.
6. Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit a facility from purchasing vending machines or providing or maintaining vending services which do not generate a profit, provided that such services are of no cost to DCS, nor shall this Code section be construed so as to prohibit a private provider of vending services from making or retaining a profit pursuant to any agreement for such services.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-8 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-9. Retention of issued weapon and badge; survivor’s rights to badge.

1. An employee leaving the service of DCS under honorable conditions who has accumulated 20 or more years of service with DCS as a community supervision officer, or 20 or more years of combined service as a parole officer with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, a probation officer or supervisor with the Department of Corrections, and community supervision officer, shall be entitled as part of such employee’s compensation to retain his or her DCS issued weapon and badge.
2. As used in this subsection, the term “disability” means a disability that prevents an individual from working as a community supervision officer. When a community supervision officer leaves DCS as a result of a disability arising in the line of duty, such officer shall be entitled as part of such officer’s compensation to retain his or her weapon and badge in accordance with regulations promulgated by the commissioner.
3. A community supervision officer who is killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to have his or her DCS issued badge given to a surviving family member.
4. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-9 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-10. Appeals of sanctions; venue; no waiver of immunity.

1. In order to appeal a sanction imposed by the board, a person shall remit a request for a hearing, in writing by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, to the board within 30 days from the date of personal notice or receipt of the notice of the sanction; otherwise, the right to such hearing shall be deemed waived. The board shall hold a hearing as provided in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.” If the sanction is sustained, the person who received the sanction shall have a right to file for a judicial review of the final decision, as provided for in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act”; while such appeal is pending, the order of the board shall not be stayed. A petition for judicial review shall name the board as defendant, shall be served by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, and shall be filed in the superior court of the county where the offices of the board are located.
2. Actions at law and in equity against the board or any of its members predicated upon omissions or acts done in a member’s official capacity or under color thereof shall be brought in the superior court of the county where the offices of the board are located; provided, however, that nothing in this Code section shall be construed as waiving the immunity of the state to be sued without its consent.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-10 , enacted by Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 5-6/SB 367.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective July 1, 2016.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 enactment of this Code section, see 33 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-30 through 42-3-35. [Reserved]

History. Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; repealed by Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 1/SB 367, effective July 1, 2016.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2016, p. 443, § 1/SB 367 repealed and reserved this article, effective July 1, 2016.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2016 repeal of these Code sections, see 33 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 139 (2016).

42-3-50. Definitions; assignment of community service for personal gain prohibited.

1. As used in this article, the term:
   1. “Agency” means any private or public entity or organization that provides services to the public and enhances the social welfare and general well-being of the community. Such term may include educational institutions and religious organizations that are nonprofit corporations or are qualified as tax exempt under 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3), as it existed on March 1, 2018.
   2. “Community service” means uncompensated work by an offender with an agency pursuant to an order by a court as a condition of probation or in lieu of payment of financial obligations imposed by a court.
   3. “Community service officer” means an individual appointed by the court to place and supervise offenders sentenced to community service or educational advancement. Such term includes a paid professional or a volunteer.
   4. “Educational advancement” means attending a work or job skills training program, a preparatory class for a state approved high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, or similar activity.
2. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, it shall be unlawful for an agency or community service officer to use or allow an offender to be used for any purpose resulting in private gain to any individual.
3. Subsection (b) of this Code section shall not apply to:
   1. Work on private property because of a natural disaster; or
   2. An order or direction by the court.
4. Any person who violates subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-50 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2018, p. 550, § 2-11/SB 407; Ga. L. 2022, p. 168, § 8/SB 397.

The 2018 amendment, effective July 1, 2018, substituted the present provisions of paragraph (a)(1) for the former provisions, which read: “‘Agency’ means any private or public agency or organization approved by the court to participate in a community service program.”; substituted the present provisions of paragraph (a)(2) for the former provisions, which read: “‘Community service’ means uncompensated work by an offender with an agency for the benefit of the community pursuant to an order by a court as a condition of probation. Such term includes uncompensated service by an offender who lives in the household of a disabled person and provides aid and services to such disabled person, including, but not limited to, cooking, housecleaning, shopping, driving, bathing, and dressing.”; in paragraph (a)(3), added “or educational advancement” at the end of the first sentence, substituted “includes” for “may mean” in the second sentence; added paragraph (a)(4); deleted former paragraph (c)(1), which read: “Services provided by an offender to a disabled person in accordance with paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of Code Section 42-3-52;”; redesignated former paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) as present paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2), respectively; and deleted “sentencing” preceding “court” in paragraph (c)(2).

The 2022 amendment, effective July 1, 2022, substituted “a state approved high school equivalency (HSE)” for “the general educational development (GED)” in paragraph (a)(4).

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same as or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-70.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2018 amendment of this Code section, see 35 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 45 (2018).

For annual survey on criminal law, see 70 Mercer L. Rev. 63 (2018).

42-3-51. Community service or educational advancement program; letter of application; requirements; limitation of liability.

1. Agencies desiring to allow offenders to participate in their program shall file with the court a letter of application showing:
   1. Eligibility;
   2. Number of offenders who may be placed with the agency;
   3. Work to be performed by the offender; and
   4. Provisions for supervising the offender.
2. An agency selected by the court shall work with offenders who are assigned to the agency by the court. If an offender violates a court order, the agency shall report such violation to the community service officer.
3. If an agency violates any court order or this article, the offender shall be removed from the agency and the agency shall no longer be eligible to participate in the court’s community service or in an educational advancement program.
4. No agency or community service officer shall be liable at law as a result of any of such agency’s or community service officer’s acts performed while an offender was participating in the court’s community service or in an educational advancement program. This limitation of liability shall not apply to actions on the part of any agency or community service officer which constitute gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-51 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2018, p. 550, § 2-11/SB 407; Ga. L. 2019, p. 1056, § 42/SB 52; Ga. L. 2020, p. 493, § 42/SB 429.

The 2018 amendment, effective July 1, 2018, substituted “allow offenders to participate in their program” for “participate in a community service program” in subsection (a); substituted “by the court” for “for the community service program” in the first sentence of subsection (b); inserted “or educational advancement” near the end of subsection (c) and near the end of the first sentence of subsection (d); in subsection (c), deleted “provision of” preceding “this article” near the middle, inserted “court’s” in the middle; and inserted “an offender was” in the middle of the first sentence of subsection (d).

The 2019 amendment, effective May 12, 2019, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, inserted “with” in the first sentence of subsection (b); and inserted “in an” near the end of the first sentence of subsection (d).

The 2020 amendment, effective July 29, 2020, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, inserted “in an” near the end of subsection (c); and substituted “in the court’s community service” for “in community service” in the first sentence of subsection (d).

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-71.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2018 amendment of this Code section, see 35 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 45 (2018).

42-3-52. Community service or educational advancement as condition of probation.

1. Community service or educational advancement may be considered as a condition of probation or in lieu of court imposed financial obligations with primary consideration given to the following categories of offenders:
   1. Traffic violations;
   2. Ordinance violations;
   3. Noninjurious or nondestructive, nonviolent misdemeanors;
   4. Noninjurious or nondestructive, nonviolent felonies; and
   5. Other offenders considered upon the discretion of the court.
2. The court may confer with the prosecuting attorney, the offender or his or her attorney if the offender is represented by an attorney, a community supervision officer, a community service officer, or other interested persons to determine if community service or educational advancement is appropriate for an offender. A court order shall specify that the court has approved community service or educational assistance for an offender. If community service or educational advancement is ordered, the court shall order:
   1. Not less than 20 hours nor more than 250 hours in cases involving traffic or ordinance violations or misdemeanors, such service to be completed within one year; or
   2. Not less than 20 hours nor more than 500 hours in felony cases, such service to be completed within three years.
3. The court may order an offender to perform community service hours in a 40 hour per week work detail in lieu of incarceration.
4. Community service or educational advancement hours may be added to original court ordered hours as a disciplinary action by the court, as an additional requirement of any program in lieu of incarceration, or as part of the sentencing options system as set forth in Article 6 of this chapter.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-52 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2018, p. 550, § 2-11/SB 407.

The 2018 amendment, effective July 1, 2018, in the introductory paragraph of subsection (a), inserted “or educational advancement” and “or in lieu of court imposed financial obligations”; in subsection (b), substituted “if community service or educational advancement” for “if the community service program” near the end of the first sentence, added the second sentence, and substituted “or educational advancement is ordered,” for “is ordered as a condition of probation,” in the third sentence; deleted former subsection (c), which read: “(1) Any agency may recommend to the court that certain disabled persons are in need of a live-in attendant. The court shall confer with the prosecuting attorney, the offender or his or her attorney if the offender is represented by an attorney, a community supervision officer, a community service officer, or other interested persons to determine if a community service program involving a disabled person is appropriate for an offender. If community service as a live-in attendant for a disabled person is deemed appropriate and if both the offender and the disabled person consent to such service, the court may order such live-in community service as a condition of probation but for no longer than two years.

“(2) The agency shall be responsible for coordinating the provisions of the cost of food or other necessities for the offender which the disabled person is not able to provide. The agency, with the approval of the court, shall determine a schedule which will provide the offender with certain free hours each week.

“(3) Such live-in arrangement shall be terminated by the court upon the request of the offender or the disabled person. Upon termination of such arrangement, the court shall determine if the offender has met the conditions of probation.

“(4) The appropriate agency shall make personal contact with the disabled person on a frequent basis to ensure the safety and welfare of the disabled person.”; redesignated former subsections (d) and (e) as present subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and inserted “or educational advancement” near the beginning of subsection (d).

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same as or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-72.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2018 amendment of this Code section, see 35 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 45 (2018).

For annual survey on criminal law, see 70 Mercer L. Rev. 63 (2018).

42-3-53. Placement with appropriate agency; approval by court; report of offender’s performance.

The community service officer shall place an offender sentenced to community service or educational advancement with an appropriate agency. The agency and work schedule shall be approved by the court. If the offender is employed at the time of sentencing or if the offender becomes employed after sentencing, the community service officer shall consider the offender’s work schedule and, to the extent practicable, shall schedule the community service or educational advancement so that it will not conflict with the offender’s work schedule. This scheduling accommodation shall not be construed as requiring the community service officer to alter scheduled community service or educational advancement based on changes in an offender’s work schedule. The community service officer shall supervise the offender for the duration of the sentence which requires community service or educational advancement. Upon completion of the such sentence, the community service officer shall prepare a written report evaluating the offender’s performance which shall be used to determine if the conditions of probation or sentence have been satisfied.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-53 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2018, p. 550, § 2-11/SB 407.

The 2018 amendment, effective July 1, 2018, substituted “or educational advancement” for “as a condition of probation” in the first sentence, inserted “or educational advancement” in the third and fourth sentences, inserted “scheduling accommodation” near the beginning of the fourth sentence, substituted “sentence which requires community service or educational advancement” for “community service sentence” in the next-to-last sentence, and, in the last sentence, substituted “such” for “community service” near the middle, and inserted “or sentence” near the end.

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same as or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-73.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2018 amendment of this Code section, see 35 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 45 (2018).

42-3-54. Applicability of Articles 2, 3, and 6 of this chapter.

42-3-70. Operation of pretrial release and diversion programs.

DCS shall be authorized to establish and operate pretrial release and diversion programs as rehabilitative measures for persons charged with felonies for which bond is permissible under the law in the courts of this state prior to conviction; provided, however, that no such program shall be established in a county without the unanimous approval of the superior court judges, the district attorney, and the sheriff of such county. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations governing any pretrial release and diversion programs established and operated by DCS and shall grant authorization for the establishment of such programs based on the availability of sufficient staff and resources.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-70 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same as or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-80.

42-3-71. Discretionary release upon application by person charged with felony.

The court in which a person is charged with a felony for which bond is permissible under the law may, upon the application by the person so charged, at its discretion release the person prior to conviction and upon recognizance to the supervision of a pretrial release or diversion program established and operated by DCS after an investigation and upon recommendation of the staff of the pretrial release or diversion program. In no case, however, shall any person be so released unless after consultation with his or her attorney or an attorney made available to the person if he or she is indigent that person has voluntarily agreed to participate in the pretrial release or diversion program and knowingly and intelligently has waived his or her right to a speedy trial for the period of pretrial release or diversion.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-71 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-72. Contracts with counties for services and facilities.

DCS may contract with the various counties of this state for the services and facilities necessary to operate pretrial release and diversion programs established under this article, and both DCS and the counties are authorized to enter into such contracts as are appropriate to carry out the purpose of this article.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-72 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-73. Authority to establish and operate pretrial release diversion programs does not affect contracting authority of Georgia Department of Labor.

The authority to establish and operate pretrial release and diversion programs granted to DCS under this article shall not affect the authority of the Georgia Department of Labor to enter into agreements with district attorneys of the several judicial circuits of this state for the purpose of establishing and operating pretrial intervention programs in such judicial circuits.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-73 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-74. Judicial approval for pretrial release and diversion program required.

No person shall be released on an unsecured judicial release as provided for in Code Section 17-6-12 or approved for a pretrial release and diversion program without first having the approval in writing of the judge of the court having jurisdiction of the case.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-74 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2020, p. 570, § 3-3/SB 402.

The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, substituted “an unsecured judicial release as provided for in Code Section 17-6-12” for “his or her own recognizance” near the beginning of this Code section.

Law reviews.

For article, “SB 174: Revising Georgia’s List of Bail Restricted Offenses,” see 38 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 41 (2021).

42-3-90. Establishment of diversion center; authorization for travel to and from employment; requirements during confinement at diversion center.

A county shall be authorized to establish a diversion center under the direction of the sheriff of the county in which the diversion center is located and a diversion program for the confinement of certain individuals who have been found in contempt of court for violation of orders granting temporary or permanent alimony or child support and sentenced pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section 15-1-4. While in such diversion program, the respondent shall be authorized to travel to and from his or her place of employment and to continue his or her occupation. The official in charge of the diversion program or his or her designee shall prescribe the routes, manner of travel, and periods of travel to be used by the respondent in attending to his or her occupation. If the respondent’s occupation requires the respondent to travel away from his or her place of employment, the amount and conditions of such travel shall be approved by the official in charge of the diversion center or his or her designee. When the respondent is not traveling to or from his or her place of employment or engaging in his or her occupation, such respondent shall be confined in the diversion center during the term of the sentence. With the approval of the sheriff or his or her designee, the respondent may participate in educational or counseling programs offered at the diversion center. While participating in the diversion program, such respondent shall be liable for alimony or child support as previously ordered, including arrears, and his or her income shall be subject to the provisions of Code Sections 19-6-30 through 19-6-33.1 and Chapter 11 of Title 19. In addition, should any funds remain after payment of child support or alimony, such respondent may be charged a fee payable to the county operating the diversion program to cover the costs of his or her incarceration and the administration of the diversion program which fee shall be not more than $30.00 per day or the actual per diem cost of maintaining the respondent, whichever is less, for the entire period of time such respondent is confined to the diversion center and participating in the diversion program. If such respondent fails to comply with any of the requirements imposed upon him or her in accordance with this Code section, nothing shall prevent the sentencing judge from revoking such assignment to such diversion program and providing for alternative methods of incarceration.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-90 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2017, p. 646, § 2-5/SB 137.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, substituted “individuals” for “persons” in the middle of the first sentence; substituted “such respondent” for “such person” in the middle of the fifth sentence; in the seventh sentence, substituted “such respondent” for “the respondent” near the beginning and substituted “19-6-33.1” for “19-6-33” near the end; in the next-to-last sentence, substituted “such respondent” for “the respondent”, substituted “such respondent” for “the person”, deleted “and” following “be charged”, and twice inserted “diversion”; and, in the last sentence, substituted “such respondent” for “the respondent” near the beginning, and substituted “such diversion program” for “a diversion program” near the end.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2015, “and” was deleted following “the respondent may be charged” in the middle of this Code section.

Editor’s notes.

This Code section is the same as or substantially similar to former Code Section 42-8-130.

42-3-110. Short title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Probation Management Act.”

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-110 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-111. Definitions.

For purposes of this article, the term:

1. “Chief community supervision officer” means the highest ranking field community supervision officer in each judicial circuit.
2. “Electronic monitoring” means supervising, mapping, or tracking the location of a probationer by means including electronic surveillance, voice recognition, facial recognition, fingerprinting or biometric scan, automated kiosk, automobile ignition interlock device, or global positioning systems which may coordinate data with crime scene information.
3. “Hearing officer” means an impartial DCS employee or representative who has been selected and appointed to hear alleged cases regarding violations of probation for administrative sanctioning.
4. “Initial sanction” means the sanction set by the judge upon initial sentencing.
5. “Options system day reporting center” means a state facility providing supervision of probationers which includes, but is not limited to, mandatory reporting, program participation, drug testing, community service, all special conditions of probation, and general conditions of probation as set forth in Code Section 42-8-35.
6. “Options system probationer” means a probationer who has been sentenced to the sentencing options system.
7. “Probation supervision” means a level of probation supervision which includes, but is not limited to, general conditions of probation as set forth in Code Section 42-8-35 and all special conditions of probation.
8. “Residential substance abuse treatment facility” means a state correctional facility that provides inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.
9. “Sentencing options system” means a continuum of sanctions for probationers that includes the sanctions set forth in subsection (c) of Code Section 42-3-113.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-111 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

Law reviews.

For article, “Hiding in Plain Sight: A Fourth Amendment Framework for Analyzing Government Surveillance in Public,” see 66 Emory L.J. 527 (2017).

42-3-112. Sentencing options system.

1. In addition to any other terms or conditions of probation provided for under this chapter, the sentencing judge may require that defendants who are sentenced to probation pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section 42-8-34 be ordered to the sentencing options system.
2. When a defendant has been ordered to the sentencing options system, the court shall retain jurisdiction throughout the period of the probated sentence as provided in subsection (g) of Code Section 42-8-34 and may modify or revoke any part of a probated sentence as provided in Code Section 42-8-34.1 and subsection (c) of Code Section 42-8-38.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-112 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-113. System of administrative sanctions.

1. DCS shall be authorized to establish by rules and regulations a system of administrative sanctions as an alternative to judicial modifications or revocations for probationers who violate the terms and conditions of the sentencing options system established under this article. DCS may not, however, sanction probationers for violations of special conditions of probation or general conditions of probation for which the sentencing judge has expressed an intention that such violations be heard by the court pursuant to Code Section 42-8-34.1.
2. DCS shall only impose restrictions which are equal to or less restrictive than the sanction cap set by the sentencing judge.
3. The administrative sanctions which may be imposed by DCS are as follows, from most restrictive to least restrictive:
   1. Probation detention center or residential substance abuse treatment facility;
   2. Probation boot camp;
   3. DCS day reporting center;
   4. Electronic monitoring;
   5. Community service; or
   6. Probation supervision.
4. DCS may order offenders sanctioned pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (c) of this Code section to be held in the local jail until transported to a designated facility.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-113 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-114. Preliminary hearing for alleged violation of probation.

1. Whenever an options system probationer is arrested on a warrant for an alleged violation of probation, an informal preliminary hearing shall be held within a reasonable time not to exceed 15 days.
2. A preliminary hearing shall not be required when:
   1. The probationer is not under arrest on a warrant;
   2. The probationer signed a waiver of a preliminary hearing; or
   3. The administrative hearing referred to in Code Section 42-3-115 will be held within 15 days of arrest.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-114 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-115. Authorization to impose administrative sanctions; petition; hearing; administrative proceeding.

1. If an options system probationer violates the conditions of probation, DCS may impose administrative sanctions as an alternative to judicial modification or revocation of probation.
2. Upon issuance of a petition outlining the alleged probation violations, the chief community supervision officer, or his or her designee, may conduct a hearing to determine whether an options system probationer has violated a condition of probation. If the chief community supervision officer determines that the probationer has violated a condition of probation, the chief community supervision officer shall be authorized to impose sanctions consistent with paragraphs (4) through (6) of subsection (c) of Code Section 42-3-113. The failure of an options system probationer to comply with a sanction imposed by the chief community supervision officer shall constitute a violation of probation.
3. 1. Upon issuance of a petition outlining the alleged probation violations, the hearing officer may initiate an administrative proceeding to determine whether an options system probationer has violated a condition of probation. If the hearing officer determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the probationer has violated a condition of probation, the hearing officer may impose sanctions consistent with Code Section 42-3-113.
   2. The administrative proceeding provided for under this subsection shall be commenced within 15 days but not less than 48 hours after notice of the administrative proceeding has been served on the probationer. The administrative proceeding may be conducted electronically.
4. The failure of a probationer to comply with the sanction or sanctions imposed by the chief community supervision officer or hearing officer shall constitute a violation of probation.
5. An options system probationer may at any time waive a hearing and voluntarily accept the sanctions proposed by DCS.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-115 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2016, p. 864, § 42/HB 737.

The 2016 amendment, effective May 3, 2016, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted “paragraphs (4) through (6)” for “paragraphs (4) through (7)” in the second sentence of subsection (b).

42-3-116. Finality of hearing officer’s decision; request for review; appeal.

1. The hearing officer’s decision shall be final unless the options system probationer files a request for review with the senior hearing officer. A request for review must be filed within 15 days of the issuance of DCS’s decision. Such request shall not stay DCS’s decision. The senior hearing officer shall issue a response within seven days of receipt of the review request.
2. The senior hearing officer’s decision shall be final unless the options system probationer files an appeal in the sentencing court. Such appeal shall name the commissioner as defendant and shall be filed within 30 days of the issuance of the decision by the senior hearing officer.
3. This appeal shall first be reviewed by the judge upon the record. At the judge’s discretion, a de novo hearing may be held on the decision. The filing of the appeal shall not stay DCS’s decision.
4. Where the sentencing judge does not act on the appeal within 30 days of the date of the filing of the appeal, DCS’s decision shall be affirmed by operation of law.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-116 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-117. Article not construed as repealing any court’s probationary or supervisory power.

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as repealing any power given to any court of this state to place offenders on probation or to provide conditions of supervision for offenders.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-117 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-118. Applicability of article.

This article shall only apply in judicial circuits where DCS has allocated certified hearing officers.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-118 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-3-119. Liberal construction of article.

This article shall be liberally construed so that its purposes may be achieved.

History. Code 1981, § 42-3-119 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 1-1/HB 310.

42-4-1. Appointment of county and municipal jailers.

1. By virtue of their offices, sheriffs are jailers of the counties and have the authority to appoint other jailers, subject to the supervision of the county governing authority, as prescribed by law.
2. By virtue of their offices, chiefs of police are the jailers of the municipal corporations and have the authority to appoint other jailers, subject to the supervision of the municipal governing authority, as prescribed by law. Each jailer of a municipal corporation shall maintain the records required of sheriffs by subsection (a) of Code Section 42-4-7.

History. Orig. Code 1863, § 331; Code 1868, § 392; Code 1873, § 356; Code 1882, § 356; Penal Code 1895, § 1120; Penal Code 1910, § 1149; Code 1933, § 77-101; Ga. L. 1988, p. 266, § 1.

Cross references.

Sheriffs generally, T. 15, C. 16.

42-4-2. Oath and bond of jailers.

Before commencing to carry out the duties of their office, jailers must give to the sheriff a bond and surety for the sum of $1,000.00, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties as jailers, and shall take and subscribe before the sheriff of their respective counties, to be filed in and entered into the records of the sheriff’s office, the following oath:

“I do swear that I will well and truly do and perform, all and singular, the duties of jailer for the County of _______________ ; and that I will humanely treat prisoners who may be brought to the jail of which I am keeper and not suffer them to escape by any negligence or inattention of mine. So help me God.”

History. Laws 1811, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, pp. 201, 202; Code 1863, § 332; Code 1868, § 393; Code 1873, § 357; Code 1882, § 357; Penal Code 1895, § 1121; Penal Code 1910, § 1150; Code 1933, § 77-102; Ga. L. 1987, p. 342, § 1.

42-4-3. When coroner to act as keeper of jail.

The county coroner shall be keeper of the jail when the sheriff is imprisoned or absent from the county leaving no deputy.

History. Orig. Code 1863, § 564; Code 1868, § 628; Code 1873, § 587; Code 1882, § 587; Penal Code 1895, § 1122; Penal Code 1910, § 1151; Code 1933, § 77-105.

Cross references.

Coroners generally, T. 45, C. 16.

42-4-4. Duties of sheriff as to jail inmates; designation of inmate as trusty; failure to comply with Code section.

1. It shall be the duty of the sheriff:
   1. To take from the outgoing sheriff custody of the jail and the bodies of such persons as are confined therein, along with the warrant or cause of commitment;
   2. To furnish persons confined in the jail with medical aid, heat, and blankets, to be reimbursed if necessary from the county treasury, for neglect of which he shall be liable to suffer the penalty prescribed in this Code section; provided, however, that, with respect to an inmate covered under Article 3 of this chapter, the officer in charge will provide such person access to medical aid and may arrange for the person’s health insurance carrier to pay the health care provider for the aid rendered; and
   3. To take all persons arrested or in execution under any criminal or civil process to the jail of an adjoining county, or to the jail of some other county if the latter is more accessible, if the jail of his county is in an unsafe condition, under such rules as are prescribed in this chapter.
2. Subject to the provisions of this subsection and except as provided by law or as directed by a court of competent jurisdiction, a sheriff shall not release a prisoner from his custody prior to the lawful completion of his sentence including any lawful credits under a trusty system.  The provision shall not, however, preclude a sheriff from designating an inmate as a trusty and utilizing him in a lawful manner and, furthermore, this provision shall not preclude a sheriff from transferring a prisoner to another jail in another county if the sheriff concludes that such transfer is in the best interest of the prisoner or that such transfer is necessary for the orderly administration of the jail.
3. Any sheriff or deputy who fails to comply with this Code section shall be fined for contempt, as is the clerk of the superior court in similar cases. The sheriff or deputy shall also be subject to removal from office as prescribed in Code Section 15-16-26.

History. Laws 1799, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 574; Laws 1810, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 577; Laws 1818, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 858; Laws 1820, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 480; Laws 1823, Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 512; Code 1863, §§ 336, 340; Ga. L. 1865-66, p. 64, § 15; Code 1868, §§ 397, 401; Code 1873, §§ 361, 366; Code 1882, §§ 361, 366; Penal Code 1895, §§ 1127, 1128; Penal Code 1910, §§ 1156, 1157; Code 1933, §§ 77-110, 77-111; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1443, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 2125, § 1; Ga. L. 2012, p. 173, § 2-10/HB 665.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted “Code Section 15-16-26” for “Code Section 15-6-82” at the end of the second sentence of subsection (c).

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1990, “trusty” was substituted for “trustee” in the first sentence of subsection (b).

Law reviews.

For note on 1992 amendment of this Code section, see 9 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 310 (1992).

42-4-5. Cruelty to inmates.

1. No jailer, by duress or other cruel treatment, shall make or induce an inmate to accuse or give evidence against another; nor shall he be guilty of willful inhumanity or oppression to any inmate under his care and custody.
2. Any jailer who violates subsection (a) of this Code section shall be punished by removal from office and imprisonment for not less than one year nor longer than three years.

History. Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 805; Code 1863, § 4367; Code 1868, § 4405; Code 1873, § 4473; Code 1882, § 4473; Penal Code 1895, § 282; Penal Code 1910, § 286; Code 1933, §§ 77-104, 77-9901.

Cross references.

Prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, U.S. Const., amend. 8 and Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. XVII.

42-4-6. Confinement and care of tubercular inmates; crediting of time spent in hospital or institution against sentence.

1. When any person confined in the common jail who is awaiting trial for any offense against the penal laws of this state or who has been convicted of an offense or who is serving any jail sentence imposed upon him by authority or who has been committed for any civil or criminal contempt or who is serving any misdemeanor sentence under county jurisdiction in a county correctional institution or other institution for the maintenance of county inmates is afflicted with tuberculosis, the judge of the superior court may order the person’s delivery by the sheriff to an institution as may be approved and supported by the Department of Public Health for the care of tubercular patients; thereupon, he shall be so delivered and received in such institution and shall be securely confined, kept, and cared for.
2. The period of time a person is kept and confined in a hospital or institution pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be credited upon any jail sentence being served by him, in the same manner as though he had remained in jail. Any person committed for any civil or criminal contempt shall remain for all purposes under the orders, jurisdiction, and authority of the court committing him for contempt while in the hospital or institution, in the same manner as though he had remained in the common jail.

History. Ga. L. 1960, p. 769, § 2; Ga. L. 1964, p. 365, § 1; Ga. L. 1994, p. 97, § 42; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 1-4/HB 228; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, § 6-3/HB 214.

Cross references.

Hospitalization of persons for tuberculosis, T. 31, C. 14.

Law reviews.

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 147 (2011).

42-4-7. Maintenance of inmate record by sheriff; earned time allowances.

1. The sheriff shall keep a record of all persons committed to the jail of the county of which he or she is sheriff. This record shall contain the name of the person committed, such person’s age, sex, race, under what process such person was committed and from what court the process issued, the crime with which the person was charged, the date of such person’s commitment to jail, the day of such person’s discharge, under what order such person was discharged, and the court from which the order issued. This record shall be subject to examination by any person in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to the inspection of public records.
2. 1. The sheriff, chief jailer, warden, or other officer designated by the county as custodian of inmates confined as county inmates for probation violations of felony offenses or as provided in subsection (a) of Code Section 17-10-3 may award earned time allowances to such inmates based on institutional behavior. Earned time allowances shall not be awarded which exceed one-half of the period of confinement imposed, except that the sheriff or other custodian may authorize the award of not more than four days’ credit for each day on which an inmate does work on an authorized work detail; provided, however, that such increased credit for performance on a work detail shall not apply to an inmate who is incarcerated for:
      1. A second or subsequent offense of driving under the influence under Code Section 40-6-391 within a five-year period of time, as measured from the date of any previous arrest for which a conviction was obtained or a plea of nolo contendere was accepted to the date of the current arrest for which a conviction is obtained or a plea of nolo contendere is accepted;
      2. A misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature; or
      3. A crime committed against a family member as defined in Code Section 19-13-1.
   2. While an inmate sentenced to confinement as a county inmate is in custody as a county inmate, the custodian of such inmate may award an earned time allowance consistent with this subsection and subsection (b) of Code Section 17-10-4 based on the institutional behavior of such inmate while in custody as a county inmate.
   3. An inmate sentenced to confinement as a county inmate shall be released at the expiration of his or her sentence less the time deducted for earned time allowances.
3. Commencing January 1, 1984, those provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section which provide for good-time allowances to be awarded to inmates sentenced to confinement as county inmates as provided in subsection (a) of Code Section 17-10-3 shall apply to all such inmates in confinement on December 31, 1983, and all inmates who commit crimes on or after January 1, 1984, and are subsequently convicted and sentenced to confinement as county inmates. Conversion of the computation of the sentences of county inmates in confinement on December 31, 1983, from earned time governed sentences to good-time governed sentences shall be made by the sheriff or other custodian of such inmates. Commencing July 1, 1994, those provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section which provide for good-time allowances to be awarded to inmates sentenced to confinement as county inmates for probation violations of felony offenses shall apply to all such inmates in confinement on June 30, 1994, and all inmates whose probation is revoked or who commit crimes on or after July 1, 1994, and are subsequently sentenced to confinement as county inmates. Commencing July 1, 2000, the award of earned time allowances pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section for persons who commit crimes on or after July 1, 2000, and are subsequently convicted and sentenced to confinement as county inmates and inmates whose probation is revoked on or after July 1, 2000, or who commit crimes on or after July 1, 2000, and are subsequently sentenced to confinement as county inmates is not automatic or mandatory but shall be based upon institutional behavior.

History. Ga. L. 1877, p. 111, § 1; Code 1882, § 366a; Penal Code 1895, § 1125; Penal Code 1910, § 1154; Code 1933, § 77-108; Ga. L. 1983, p. 1340, § 1; Ga. L. 1993, p. 632, § 1; Ga. L. 1994, p. 1955, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1111, § 2; Ga. L. 2004, p. 155, § 1.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1994, “of felony offenses” was substituted for “of, felony offenses,” in the first sentence of paragraph (b)(1).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2000, p. 1111, § 3, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2000, and shall apply to persons who commit crimes on or after such date and who are subsequently convicted and sentenced to confinement as county inmates and to persons whose probation is revoked on or after such date or who commit crimes on or after such date and who subsequently are sentenced to confinement as county inmates.”

42-4-8. Inquiry into contents of inmate record by grand jury; failure to comply with Code Section 42-4-7.

It shall be the duty of the grand jury, at each term of the superior court held in the county, to inquire into the contents of the record kept by the sheriff as required by Code Section 42-4-7. If the record is not kept or is incorrectly kept, the grand jury shall so report to the court. Upon the report’s being made, the judge presiding shall cause the district attorney to have the sheriff served with a rule requiring him to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt. The judge shall inquire into the facts and, if he finds that Code Section 42-4-7 has not been complied with, he shall impose a fine of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for the first offense and not more than $100.00 and not less than $50.00 for each subsequent offense. The fines shall be enforced and collected by attachment, as in other cases of attachments against sheriffs.

History. Ga. L. 1877, p. 111, § 2; Code 1882, § 366b; Penal Code 1895, § 1126; Penal Code 1910, § 1155; Code 1933, § 77-109; Ga. L. 1994, p. 97, § 42.

Cross references.

Frequency with which grand jury must perform duties, § 15-12-71 .

42-4-9. Conditions for receipt of federal prisoners.

The keeper of a county jail may decline to receive a person from the custody of anyone acting under the authority of the United States government. He may receive the person if the consent of the authority having control of county matters is first obtained. If the keeper receives the person he shall have the same duties and responsibilities toward him as in the case of inmates committed under the authority of this state.

History. Orig. Code 1863, § 334; Code 1868, § 395; Code 1873, § 359; Code 1882, § 359; Ga. L. 1889, p. 47, § 2; Penal Code 1895, § 1123; Penal Code 1910, § 1152; Code 1933, § 77-106.

42-4-10. Receipt of additional federal prisoners after initial acceptance.

If the keeper of the jail consents to receive a person from the custody of federal authorities, as provided in Code Section 42-4-9, neither the jailer nor the county authorities shall refuse to receive any other person so committed by the authority of the United States government unless 20 days’ prior written notice of the sheriff’s refusal to receive any more persons committed by the federal authorities is given by him to the United States marshal or other federal officers charged with the custody of such persons.

History. Ga. L. 1889, p. 47, § 3; Penal Code 1895, § 1124; Penal Code 1910, § 1153; Code 1933, § 77-107.

42-4-11. Procedure for transfer of person in custody upon change of venue.

In all cases in which a change of venue is made, the sheriff of the county from which a person in custody is to be moved shall carry the person to the county to which the change of venue was directed and deliver him to the sheriff of such county, who shall then take charge of the person as in other cases. The sheriff of the county from which the person is to be moved shall carry with him and deliver to the sheriff the warrant under which the person was arrested or the commitment.

History. Ga. L. 1868, p. 133, § 1; Code 1873, § 4688; Code 1882, § 4688; Penal Code 1895, § 1129; Penal Code 1910, § 1158; Code 1933, § 77-112.

Cross references.

Change of venue generally, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. VI, Sec. II, Para. VIII and § 17-7-150 et seq.

42-4-12. Penalty for refusal by officer to receive persons charged with or guilty of offense.

Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, any sheriff, constable, keeper of a jail, or other officer whose duty it is to receive persons charged with or guilty of an indictable offense who refuses to receive and take charge of such a person shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00. A sheriff, constable, keeper of a jail, or other officer whose duty it is to receive persons charged with or guilty of an indictable offense shall be authorized to refuse acceptance of any person who has not received medical treatment for obvious physical injuries or conditions of an emergency nature. Upon such refusal, it shall be the responsibility of the arresting agency to take the individual to a health care facility or health care provider in order to secure a medical release. Upon medical release by the health care facility or health care provider, the sheriff, constable, or keeper of the jail must assume custody of the individual; provided, however, that in all cases the sheriff, constable, or keeper of the jail must assume custody where no health care facility is located in the county in which the arrest occurred and, in such instances, the governing authority of the arresting agency shall pay all costs related to the medical release.

History. Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 807; Code 1863, § 4380; Code 1868, § 4418; Code 1873, § 4486; Code 1882, § 4486; Penal Code 1895, § 285; Penal Code 1910, § 289; Code 1933, § 77-9902; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1638, § 1.

Law reviews.

For review of 1996 legislation relating to jails, see 13 Ga. U. L. Rev. 269 and 273 (1996).

42-4-13. Possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol, or tobacco products by inmates.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Alcoholic beverage” means and includes all alcohol, distilled spirits, beer, malt beverage, wine, or fortified wine.
   2. “Controlled substance” means a drug, substance, or immediate precursor as defined in Code Section 16-13-21.
   3. “Dangerous drug” has the same meaning as defined by Code Section 16-13-71.

      (3.1) “Inmate” means a prisoner, detainee, criminal suspect, immigration detainee, or other person held, incarcerated, or detained in a jail, whether or not such person is inside or outside of the jail.

   4. “Jail” means any county jail, municipal jail, or any jail or detention facility operated by a county, municipality, or a regional jail authority as authorized under Article 5 of this chapter.
   5. “Jailer” means the sheriff in the case of any county jail, or the chief of police if the jail is under the supervision of the chief of police of a municipality, or the warden, captain, administrator, superintendent, or other officer having supervision of any other jail, or the designee of such officer.
2. 1. It shall be unlawful for an inmate to possess any controlled substance, dangerous drug, gun, pistol, or other dangerous weapon or marijuana.
   2. Any person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years.
   3. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, possession of a controlled substance, a dangerous drug, or marijuana shall be punished as provided in Chapter 13 of Title 16; provided, however, that the provisions of Code Section 16-13-2 shall not apply to a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
   4. The provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit the lawful use or dispensing of a controlled substance or dangerous drug to an inmate with the knowledge and consent of the jailer when such use or dispensing is lawful under the provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 16.
3. 1. Unless otherwise authorized by law or the jailer, it shall be unlawful for an inmate to possess any alcoholic beverage or tobacco or any product containing tobacco.
   2. Any person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. 1. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines established at any jail with, or to give or have delivered to an inmate, any controlled substance, dangerous drug, marijuana, or any gun, pistol, or other dangerous weapon without the knowledge and consent of the jailer or a law enforcement officer.
      2. It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines established at any jail with, or to give or have delivered to an inmate, any alcoholic beverage without the knowledge and consent of the jailer or a law enforcement officer; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to nor prohibit the use of an alcoholic beverage by a clergyman or priest in sacramental services only.
   2. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, any person who violates subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years. Any person who violates subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
   3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the possession, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, or distribution of a controlled substance or marijuana shall be punished as provided in Chapter 13 of Title 16; provided, however, that the provisions of Code Section 16-13-2 shall not apply to a violation of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of this subsection.

   (d.1) (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain for, to procure for, or to give to an inmate tobacco or any product containing tobacco without the knowledge and consent of the jailer.

5. It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain, to procure for, or to give to an inmate, or to bring within the guard lines, any other article or item without the knowledge and consent of the jailer or a law enforcement officer. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
6. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines or be within any jail while under the influence of a controlled substance, dangerous drug, or marijuana without the knowledge and consent of the jailer or a law enforcement officer unless such person has a valid prescription for such controlled substance or dangerous drug issued by a person licensed under Chapter 11 or 34 of Title 43 and such prescribed substance is consumed only as authorized by the prescription. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than four years.
   2. It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines or be within any jail while under the influence of alcohol without the knowledge and consent of the jailer or a law enforcement officer. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
7. It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter where inmates are assigned after having been ordered by the jailer or a law enforcement officer to desist therefrom. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
8. It shall be unlawful for any person to attempt, conspire, or solicit another to commit any offense defined by this Code section and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment not exceeding the maximum punishment prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation.
9. Any violation of this Code section shall constitute a separate offense.
10. Perimeter guard lines shall be established at every jail by the jailer thereof. Such guard lines shall be clearly marked by signs on which shall be plainly stamped or written: “Guard line of  _______________ .” Signs shall also be placed at all entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians at the jail and at such intervals along the guard lines as will reasonably place all persons approaching the guard lines on notice of the location of the jail.

(2) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-13 , enacted by Ga. L. 1987, p. 611, § 1; Ga. L. 1993, p. 630, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 648, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 136, § 42; Ga. L. 2017, p. 673, § 3-1/SB 149.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, added paragraph (a)(3.1); deleted “of a jail” following “inmate” in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) and in subparagraphs (d)(1)(A) and (d)(1)(B); in paragraph (c)(1), inserted “or the jailer” near the beginning, and added “or tobacco or any product containing tobacco” at the end; and added subsection (d.1).

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1989, the subsection (a) designation was added at the beginning of this Code section.

Law reviews.

For note on 1993 amendment of this Code section, see 10 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 181 (1993).

42-4-14. “Illegal alien” defined; determination of nationality and verification of lawful admission of person confined in a jail facility.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “illegal alien” means a person who is verified by the federal government to be present in the United States in violation of federal immigration law.
2. When any person is confined, for any period, in the jail of a county or municipality or a jail operated by a regional jail authority in compliance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, a reasonable effort shall be made to determine the nationality of the person so confined.
3. When any foreign national is confined, for any period, in a county or municipal jail, a reasonable effort shall be made to verify that such foreign national has been lawfully admitted to the United States and if lawfully admitted, that such lawful status has not expired. If verification of lawful status cannot be made from documents in the possession of the foreign national, verification shall be made within 48 hours through a query to the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) of the United States Department of Homeland Security or other office or agency designated by the federal government. If the foreign national is determined to be an illegal alien, the keeper of the jail or other officer shall notify the United States Department of Homeland Security, or other office or agency designated for notification by the federal government.
4. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to deny a person bond or from being released from confinement when such person is otherwise eligible for release; provided, however, that upon verification that any person confined in a jail is an illegal alien, such person may be detained, arrested, and transported as authorized by state and federal law.
5. The Georgia Sheriffs Association shall prepare and issue guidelines and procedures used to comply with the provisions of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-14 , enacted by Ga. L. 2006, p. 105, § 5/SB 529; Ga. L. 2008, p. 1137, § 4/SB 350; Ga. L. 2009, p. 8, § 42/SB 46; Ga. L. 2009, p. 970, § 2/HB 2; Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 13/HB 87.

Editor’s notes.

The catchline for this Code section is set out above to better reflect the statutory provisions.

Code Commission notes.

The amendment of this Code section by Ga. L. 2009, p. 8, § 42, irreconcilably conflicted with and was treated as superseded by Ga. L. 2009, p. 970, § 2, effective January 1, 2010. See County of Butts v. Strahan, 151 Ga. 417 (1921).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2006. p. 105, § 1/SB 529, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.’ All requirements of this Act concerning immigration or the classification of immigration status shall be construed in conformity with federal immigration law.”

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 1/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011.’ ”

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 21/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “(a) If any provision or part of any provision of this Act or the application of the same is held invalid or unconstitutional, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or applications of this Act or any other part of this Act than can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.

“(b) The terms of this Act regarding immigration shall be construed to have the meanings consistent with such terms under federal immigration law.

“(c) The provisions of this Act shall be implemented in a manner consistent with federal laws governing immigration and civil rights.”

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 22/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment of this Code section by that Act shall apply to offenses and violations occurring on or after July 1, 2011.

Law reviews.

For article on 2006 enactment of this Code section, see 23 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 247 (2006).

For article, “The Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act: Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Georgia — ‘Think Globally . . . Act Locally’,” see 13 Ga. St. B. J. 14 (2007).

42-4-15. Limitations on medical charges for providing emergency medical care services to individuals in custody.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Detainee” means a person held in a detention facility who is charged with or convicted of a criminal offense or charged with or adjudicated for a delinquent act and a person detained, arrested, or otherwise held in lawful custody for a criminal offense or delinquent act.
   2. “Detention facility” means any municipal or county jail or other facility used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of a criminal offense or charged with or adjudicated for a delinquent act.
   3. “Emergency health care” means bona fide emergency services provided after the onset of a medical or traumatic condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in placing the person’s health in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. The term covers any form of emergency medical treatment, including dental, optical, psychological, or other types of emergency conditions.
   4. “Follow-up health care” means medical and hospital care and medication administered in conjunction with and arising from emergency health care treatment.
2. A hospital or other health care facility licensed or established pursuant to Chapter 7 of Title 31 which is not a party to an emergency health care services contract with a sheriff or a governing authority or its agent on July 1, 2011, shall be reimbursed no more than the applicable Georgia Medicaid rate for emergency health care and follow-up health care services provided to a detainee.
3. No hospital or other health care facility shall discharge a detainee with an emergency health care condition so as to require an immediate transfer to another medical provider for the same condition unless the reasonable standard of care requires such a transfer.
4. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to limit reimbursements for emergency health care services when insurance coverage is available for payment for such services. Nor shall this Code section be construed so as to limit or remove responsibility for payment of emergency health care services by a provider of insurance that is otherwise responsible for payment of part or all of such services.
5. Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit the governing authority from negotiating higher fees or rates with hospitals.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-15 , enacted by Ga. L. 2011, p. 440, § 1/HB 197.

42-4-30. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “Detention facility” means a municipal or county jail used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of either a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense.
2. “Inmate” means a person who is detained in a detention facility by reason of being charged with or convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense.
3. “Officer in charge” means the sheriff, if the detention facility is under his supervision, or the warden, captain, or superintendent having the supervision of any other detention facility.

History. Ga. L. 1973, p. 890, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42.

42-4-31. Required safety and security measures.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person having charge of or responsibility for any detention facility to incarcerate any person in the detention facility unless a full-time jailer is on duty at the detention facility at all times while a person is incarcerated therein.  For purposes of this Code section, a full-time dispatcher may also serve simultaneously as a full-time jailer in the case of:
   1. A municipal detention facility with 12 or fewer inmates incarcerated therein if such dispatcher either:
      1. Is equipped with mobile telephone and radio equipment which will allow such dispatcher to perform the duties of a dispatcher and the duties of a full-time jailer at the same time; or
      2. Is provided with temporary assistance or relief from the duties of a dispatcher while performing the duties of a jailer; or
   2. A municipal detention facility of a municipal corporation having a population of 6,000 or less if such dispatcher is certified both as a jailer and a dispatcher by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
2. If the local governing authority having jurisdiction over a detention facility has knowledge that the facility is operating without a full-time jailer on duty while persons are incarcerated therein, each member of the local governing authority having such knowledge and failing to attempt to correct the deficiency shall be in violation of this article.
3. The officer in charge of a detention facility shall have the facility inspected semiannually by an officer from the state fire marshal’s office or an officer selected by the Safety Fire Commissioner. Each detention facility shall be required to comply with this article with regard to fire safety and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Safety Fire Commissioner. The inspecting officer shall fill out a form provided by the officer in charge and the form shall be posted in a conspicuous place by the officer in charge, thereby evidencing inspection of the facility.
4. There shall be at least two separate keys for all locks at a detention facility, with one set in use and all duplicate keys safely stored under the control of a jailer or other administrative employee for emergency use. All security personnel must be familiar with the locking system of the detention facility and must be able immediately to release inmates in the event of a fire or other emergency. Regular locking and unlocking of door and fire escape locks shall be made to determine if they are in good working order. Any damaged or nonfunctioning security equipment shall be promptly repaired.

History. Ga. L. 1973, p. 890, § 2; Ga. L. 1990, p. 1371, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 1009, § 1.

Cross references.

Liability of sheriffs for misconduct of jailers, § 15-16-24 .

Regulation of fire hazards to persons and property generally, T. 25, C. 2.

42-4-32. Sanitation and health requirements generally; meals; inspections; medical treatment.

1. All aspects of food preparation and food service shall conform to the applicable standards of the Department of Public Health.
2. All inmates shall be given not less than two substantial and wholesome meals daily.
3. Sanitation inspections of both facilities and inmates shall be made as frequently as is necessary to ensure against the presence of unsanitary conditions. An official from the Department of Public Health or an officer designated by the commissioner of public health shall inspect the facilities at least once every three months. New inmates should be carefully classified, with adequate separation and treatment given as needed.
4. The officer in charge or his designated representative shall assure that each inmate is observed daily, and a physician shall be immediately called if there are indications of serious injury, wound, or illness. The instructions of the physician shall be strictly carried out. Ill inmates shall be furnished such food as is prescribed by the attending physician.

History. Ga. L. 1973, p. 890, § 3; Ga. L. 1977, p. 761, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 135, § 2; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, §§ 1-4, 1-6/HB 228; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, §§ 6-3, 6-5/HB 214.

Cross references.

Authority of grand juries to inspect sanitary conditions in jails, § 15-12-78 .

Liability of sheriffs for misconduct of jailers, § 15-16-24 .

Law reviews.

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 147 (2011).

42-4-33. Penalty for violations of article.

Any person who violates this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1973, p. 890, § 4.

42-4-50. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “Detention facility” means a municipal or county jail used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of either a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense.
2. “Governing authority” means the governing authority of the county or municipality in which the detention facility is located.
3. “Inmate” means a person who is detained in a detention facility by reason of being charged with or convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense. Such term does not include any sentenced inmate who is the responsibility of the Department of Corrections.
4. “Medical care” includes medical attention, dental care, and medicine and necessary and associated costs such as transportation, guards, room, and board.
5. “Officer in charge” means the sheriff, if the detention facility is under his or her supervision, or the warden, captain, or superintendent having the supervision of any other detention facility.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-50 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2125, § 2; Ga. L. 1995, p. 1059, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1081, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1264, § 1; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-70/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, deleted “State” preceding “Department of Corrections” in paragraph (3). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For note on 1992 enactment of this Code section, see 9 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 310 (1992).

For review of 1996 legislation relating to jails, see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 269 and 273 (1996).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-4-51. Information as to inmate’s health insurance or eligibility for benefits; access to medical services; liability for payment; inmate’s liability for costs of medical care; procedure for recovery against inmate.

1. The officer in charge or his or her designee may require an inmate to furnish the following information:
   1. The existence of any health insurance, group health plan, or prepaid medical care coverage under which the inmate is insured;
   2. The eligibility for benefits to which the inmate is entitled under Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, the “Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977”;
   3. The name and address of the third-party payor; and
   4. The policy or other identifying number.
2. The officer in charge will provide a sick, injured, or disabled inmate access to medical services and may arrange for the inmate’s health insurance carrier to pay the health care provider for the medical service rendered.
3. The liability for payment for medical care described under subsection (b) of this Code section may not be construed as requiring payment by any person or entity, except by an inmate personally or his or her carrier through coverage or benefits described under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section.
4. If an inmate is not eligible for such health insurance benefits, then the inmate shall be liable for the costs of such medical care provided to the inmate and the assets and property of such inmate may be subject to levy and execution under court order to satisfy such costs. An inmate in a detention facility shall cooperate with the governing authority in seeking reimbursement under this article for medical care expenses incurred by the governing authority for that inmate. An inmate who willfully refuses to cooperate as provided in this Code section shall not receive or be eligible to receive any good-time allowance or other reduction of time to be served.
5. 1. An attorney for a governing authority may file a civil action to seek reimbursement from an inmate for the costs of medical care provided to such inmate while incarcerated.
   2. A civil action brought under this article shall be instituted in the name of the governing authority and shall state the date and place of sentence, the medical care provided to such inmate, and the amount or amounts due to the governing authority pursuant to this Code section.
   3. If necessary to protect the governing authority’s right to obtain reimbursement under this article against the disposition of known property, the governing authority may seek issuance of an ex parte restraining order to restrain the defendant from disposing of the property pending a hearing on an order to show cause why the particular property should not be applied to reimbursement of the governing authority for the costs of medical care provided to the defendant as an inmate.
   4. To protect and maintain the property pending resolution of the matter, the court, upon request, may appoint a receiver.
6. Before entering any order on behalf of the governing authority against the defendant, the court shall take into consideration any legal obligation of the defendant to support a spouse, minor children, or other dependents and any moral obligation to support dependents to whom the defendant is providing or has in fact provided support.
7. The court may enter a money judgment against the defendant and may order that the defendant’s property is liable for reimbursement for the costs of medical care provided to the defendant as an inmate.
8. The sentencing judge and the sheriff of any county in which a prisoner’s property is located shall furnish to the attorney for the governing authority all information and assistance possible to enable the attorney to secure reimbursement for the governing authority under this article.
9. The reimbursements secured under this article shall be credited to the general fund of the governing authority to be available for general fund purposes. The treasurer of such governing authority may determine the amount due the governing authority under this article and render sworn statements thereof. These sworn statements shall be considered prima-facie evidence of the amount due.
10. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to relieve the governing authority, governmental unit, subdivision, or agency having the physical custody of an inmate from its responsibility to pay for any medical and hospital care rendered to such inmate regardless of whether such individual has been convicted of a crime.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-51 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2125, § 2; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1264, § 2.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1992, “third-party” was substituted for “third party” in paragraph (a)(3).

42-4-70. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “Detention facility” means a municipal or county jail used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of either a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense.
2. “Inmate” means a person who is detained in a detention facility by reason of being charged with or convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or a municipal offense.
3. “Medical treatment” means each visit initiated by the inmate to an institutional physician; physician’s extender, including a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner; dentist; optometrist; or psychiatrist for examination or treatment.
4. “Officer in charge” means the sheriff, if the detention facility is under his supervision, or the warden, captain, or superintendent having the supervision of any other detention facility.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-70 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2942, § 1; Ga. L. 1995, p. 1059, § 2; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1081, § 2; Ga. L. 2009, p. 859, § 3/HB 509.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1995, p. 1059, effective July 1, 1995, purported to amend paragraph (1) of subsection (a); however, this Code section does not contain a subsection (a), and the amendment is deemed to apply to paragraph (1) following the undesignated introductory paragraph.

Law reviews.

For note on 1992 enactment of this Code section, see 9 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 310 (1992).

For review of 1996 legislation relating to jails, see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 269 and 273 (1996).

42-4-71. Deduction of costs from inmate’s account for destruction of property, medical treatment, and other causes; exception for certain medical costs.

1. The officer in charge may establish by rules or regulations criteria for a reasonable deduction from money credited to the account of an inmate to:
   1. Repay the costs of:
      1. Public property willfully damaged or destroyed by the inmate during his incarceration;
      2. Medical treatment for injuries inflicted by the inmate upon himself or others;
      3. Searching for and apprehending the inmate when he escapes or attempts to escape;  such costs to be limited to those extraordinary costs incurred as a consequence of the escape; or
      4. Quelling any riot or other disturbance in which the inmate is unlawfully involved;
   2. Defray the costs paid by a municipality or county for medical treatment for an inmate, which medical treatment has been requested by the inmate, provided that such deduction from money credited to the account of an inmate shall not exceed $5.00 for each such occurrence of treatment received by the inmate at the inmate’s request; provided, further, that if the balance in an inmate’s account is $10.00 or less, such fee shall not be charged; and provided, further, that in the event that the costs of medical treatment of an inmate have been collected from said inmate pursuant to Code Section 42-4-51, there shall be no deductions from money credited to the account of an inmate under the provisions of this paragraph for the cost of such medical treatment.
2. The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply in any case where an officer of the detention facility or a medical practitioner determines that an inmate is in need of medical treatment.
3. All sums collected for medical treatment shall be reimbursed to the inmate if such inmate is acquitted or otherwise exonerated of all charges for which the inmate was being held.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-71 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 2942, § 1; Ga. L. 1993, p. 304, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1264, § 3.

Cross references.

Repayment of costs as condition of probation, § 42-8-35 .

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1996, “and provided, further, that in the event” was substituted for “provided, however, that in the event” in paragraph (a)(2).

42-4-90. Short title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “Regional Jail Authorities Act.”

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-90 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1.

42-4-91. Statement of authority; policy of state.

1. This article is enacted pursuant to authority granted to the General Assembly by the Constitution of Georgia. Each authority created by this article is created for nonprofit and public purposes; and it is found, determined, and declared that the creation of each such authority and the carrying out of its corporate purposes is in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state and that the authority is an institution of purely public charity and will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the power conferred upon it by this article. For such reasons, the state covenants from time to time with the holders of the bonds issued under this article that such authority shall be required to pay no taxes or assessments imposed by the state or any of its counties, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, or taxing districts upon any property acquired by the authority or under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision or leased by it to others; or upon its activities in the operation or maintenance of any such property; or upon any rentals, charges, purchase price, installments, or otherwise; and that the bonds of such authority, their transfer, and the income therefrom shall at all times be exempt from taxation within the state. The tax exemption provided in this Code section shall include exemption from sales and use tax on property purchased by the authority or for use by the authority.
2. It is the express policy of the State of Georgia that any authority created by this article shall be authorized to enter into agreements with any county or municipality within the same county as the regional jail authority for the purpose of building, owning, and operating a jail facility for the county or municipality.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-91 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 1.

42-4-92. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “Authority” means each public body corporate and politic created pursuant to this article.
2. “Cost of project” means all costs of site preparation and other start-up costs; all costs of construction; all costs of real and personal property required for the purposes of the jail facilities related thereto, including land and any rights or undivided interest therein, easements, franchises, fees, permits, approvals, licenses, and certificates and the securing of such permits, approvals, licenses, and certificates and all machinery and equipment, including motor vehicles which are used for jail functions; financing charges and interest prior to and during construction and during such additional period as the authority may reasonably determine to be necessary for the placing of the jail in operation; costs of engineering, architectural, and legal services; cost of plans and specifications and all expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the jail; administrative expenses; and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the financing authorized in this article. The costs of any jail may also include funds for the creation of a debt service reserve, a renewal and replacement reserve, and such other reserves as may be reasonably required by the authority for the operation of any jail and as may be authorized by any bond resolution or trust agreement or indenture pursuant to the provisions of which the issuance of any such bonds may be authorized. Any obligation or expense incurred for any of the foregoing purposes shall be regarded as a part of the costs of the jail and may be paid or reimbursed as such out of the proceeds of user fees, or revenue bonds or notes issued under this article for such jail, or from other revenues obtained by the authority.
3. “County” means any county of this state or governmental entity formed by the consolidation of a county and one or more municipal corporations.
4. “County regional jail authority” means a regional jail authority formed by counties pursuant to this article.
5. “Governing body” means the elected or duly appointed officials constituting the governing body of each county in the state.
6. “Management committee” means a regional jail authority management committee created pursuant to Code Section 42-4-95.
7. “Municipal regional jail authority” means a regional jail authority formed by municipalities within the same county pursuant to this article.
8. “Municipality” means any municipal corporation of this state.
9. “Project” means a jail and all other structures including electric, gas, water, and other utilities and facilities, equipment, personal property, and vehicles which are deemed by the authority as necessary and convenient for the operation of the jail.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-92 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 2; Ga. L. 1997, p. 143, § 42.

42-4-93. Creation of authorities; ordinance or resolution required; agreement; approval of sheriff; exemption from Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission Act.

1. Any two or more counties may jointly form an authority, to be known as the county regional jail authority for such counties. Any two or more municipalities within the same county may jointly form an authority, to be known as the municipal regional jail authority for such municipalities. Municipalities located in more than one county may participate in municipal regional jail authorities in each county in which the municipality is located. No authority shall transact any business or exercise any powers under this article until the governing authorities of the counties or municipalities involved declare, by ordinance or resolution, that there is a need for an authority to function and until the governing authorities authorize the chief elected official of each county or municipality to enter into an agreement with the other counties or municipalities participating in the authority for the activation of an authority and such agreement is executed. Such authorities shall be public bodies, corporate and politic, and instrumentalities of the State of Georgia. A copy of the ordinance or resolution and agreement among participant counties or participant municipalities shall be filed with the Secretary of State who shall maintain a record of all authority activities under this article.
2. No county may be included in an authority without approval of the sheriff of the participant county.
3. Article 2 of Chapter 17 of Title 50, the “Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission Act,” shall not apply to any authority created under this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-93 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 3.

42-4-94. Board of directors; members; election of officers; expenses; duties; addition of counties or municipalities to authority.

1. Control and management of the authority shall be vested in a board of directors. Each county participating in an authority shall appoint the sheriff of the county for the term of such sheriff’s office. One other member from each participating county shall be appointed for a four-year term. Each municipality participating in an authority shall appoint two people to serve on the board of directors, each for a four-year term. For each county or municipal regional jail authority board of directors, an additional member shall be appointed by the directors themselves. The directors shall elect one of their members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson and shall also elect a secretary and a treasurer or a secretary-treasurer, either of whom may, but need not be, a director. The directors shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The directors may make bylaws and regulations for the governing of the authority and may delegate to one or more of the officers, agents, and employees of the authority such powers and duties as may be deemed necessary and proper.
2. It is the duty of the board of directors to erect or repair, when necessary, the jail and to furnish the jail with all the furniture necessary for the different rooms, offices, and cells. The jail shall be erected and kept in order and repaired at the expense of the authority under the direction of the board of directors which is authorized to make all necessary contracts for that purpose. The board of directors shall pass an annual budget sufficient for the efficient and effective operation of the jail.
3. Members of the board of directors of an authority formed pursuant to this Code section may agree that additional counties, if a county regional jail authority, or additional municipalities, if a municipal regional jail authority, may become members of such authority subsequent to its formation upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of such board of directors under such terms as may be imposed by such two-thirds of the members of such board of directors.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-94 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 4.

42-4-95. Management committee of county regional jail authority; management and operation of municipal regional jail authority.

1. The jail of a county regional jail authority shall be managed and operated by a regional jail authority management committee composed of all of the sheriffs from the participant counties. The county regional jail authority management committee shall have all of the responsibilities provided in Code Section 15-16-24 and this chapter, including the employment and supervision of all personnel employed to operate the jail. The sheriffs shall elect one of their members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson and shall also elect a secretary who may or may not be a member of the committee. The committee shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The committee may delegate to one or more of the officers, agents, and employees of the committee such powers and duties as may be deemed necessary and proper.
2. In the event that the county regional jail authority consists of an even number of counties, the sheriffs shall then elect one member, who may or may not be a member of the authority’s board of directors, to serve on the management committee.
3. The board of directors of a municipal regional jail authority shall hire or contract with a person, firm, corporation, or local government to manage and operate the regional jail. Such person, firm, corporation, or local government shall have all of the responsibilities provided in this chapter for municipal jails and jailers, including the employment and supervision of all personnel employed to operate the jail.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-95 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 5.

42-4-96. Quorums; voting requirements.

1. A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the authority. However, any action with respect to any project of the authority must be approved by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the directors.
2. A majority of the regional jail authority management committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the management committee.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-96 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1.

42-4-97. Powers of authority.

Each authority shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this article, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power:

1. To bring and defend actions except to the extent the authority has governmental immunity, venue being located in the host county of any project of the authority. The authority shall have no governmental immunity against suits by bondholders or their investors;
2. To adopt and amend the corporate seal;
3. To acquire, construct, improve, or modify, to place into operation, or to operate or cause to be placed in operation and operated, a jail or jails within the counties in which the authority is activated and subject to execution of agreements with appropriate political subdivisions affected within other counties or municipalities and to pay all or part of the cost of any such jail or jails from the proceeds of revenue bonds of the authority or from any contribution or loan by persons, firms, or corporations or from any other contribution or use fees, all of which the authority is authorized to receive, accept, and use;
4. To acquire, in its own name, by purchase on such terms and conditions and in such manner as it may deem proper, or by condemnation in accordance with any and all laws applicable to the condemnation of property for public use, or by gift, grant, lease, or otherwise, real property or rights and easements therein and franchises and personal property necessary or convenient for its corporate purposes, which purposes shall include, but shall not be limited to, the constructing or acquiring of a jail or jails; the improving, extending, adding to, reconstructing, renovating, or remodeling of any jail or jails or parts thereof already constructed or acquired; or the demolition to make room for such jail or any part thereof and to insure the same against any and all risks as such insurance may, from time to time, be available. The authority may also use such property and rent or lease the same to or from others or make contracts with respect to the use thereof or sell, lease, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or grant options for any such property in any manner which the authority deems to the best advantage of itself and its purposes, provided that the powers to acquire, use, and dispose of property as set forth in this paragraph shall include the power to acquire, use, and dispose of any interest in such property, whether divided or undivided, which acquisition may result in the ownership of such property or any part thereof in common with any other party or parties, public or private;
5. To make contracts and leases and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient, including contracts for construction of jails and leases of jails or contracts with respect to the use of jails which it causes to be acquired or constructed on a negotiated basis without competitive bid, provided that all private persons, firms, and corporations, this state, and all political subdivisions, departments, instrumentalities, or agencies of the state or of local government are authorized to enter into contracts, leases, or agreements with the authority, upon such terms and for such purposes as they deem advisable; and, without limiting the generality of the provisions of this paragraph, authority is specifically granted to municipal corporations and counties and to the authority to enter into contracts, lease agreements, or other undertakings relative to the furnishing of project activities and facilities or either of them by the authority to such municipal corporations and counties and by such municipal corporations and counties to the authority for a term not exceeding 50 years;
6. To exercise any one or more of the powers, rights, and privileges conferred by this Code section either alone or jointly or in common with one or more other public or private parties. In any such exercise of such powers, rights, and privileges jointly or in common with others with respect to the construction, operation, and maintenance of jail facilities, the authority may own an undivided interest in such facilities with any other party with which it may jointly or in common exercise the rights and privileges conferred by this article and may enter into an agreement or agreements with respect to any such jail facility with the other party or parties participating therein; and such agreement may contain such terms, conditions, and provisions, consistent with this article, as the parties thereto shall deem to be in their best interests, including, but not limited to, provisions for the construction, operation, and maintenance of such jail facility by any one or more of the parties to such agreement, which party or parties shall be designated in or pursuant to such agreement as agent or agents on behalf of itself and one or more of the other parties thereto, or by such other means as may be determined by the parties thereto, and including provisions for a method or methods of determining and allocating, among or between the parties, costs of construction, operation, maintenance, renewals, replacements, improvements, and disposal with respect to such facility, such agent shall be governed by the laws and regulations applicable to such agent as a separate legal entity and not by any laws or regulations which may be applicable to any of the other participating parties; provided, however, the agent shall act for the benefit of the public. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law to the contrary, pursuant to the terms of any such agreement, the authority may delegate its powers and duties with respect to the construction, operation, and maintenance of such facility to the party acting as agent; and all actions taken by such agent in accordance with the provisions of such agreement may be binding upon the authority without further action or approval of the authority;
7. To accept, receive, and administer gifts, grants, appropriations, and donations of money, materials, and property of any kind, including loans and grants from the United States, this state, a unit of local government, or any agency, department, authority, or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, upon such terms and conditions as the United States, this state, a unit of local government, or such agency, department, authority, or instrumentality shall impose; to administer trusts; and to sell, lease, transfer, convey, appropriate, and pledge any and all of its property and assets;
8. To do any and all things necessary or proper for the accomplishment of the objectives of this article and to exercise any power usually possessed by private corporations performing similar functions which is not in conflict with the Constitution and laws of this state, including the power to employ professional and administrative staff and personnel by and through the management committee and to retain legal, engineering, fiscal, accounting, and other professional services; the power to purchase all kinds of insurance, including, without limitation, insurance against tort liability and against risks of damage to property; the power to borrow money for any of the corporate purposes of the authority; the power to indemnify and hold harmless any parties contracting with the authority or its agents from damage to persons or property; and the power to act as self-insurer with respect to any loss or liability; provided, however, that obligations of the authority other than revenue bonds, for which provision is made in this article, shall be payable from the general funds of the authority and shall not be a charge against any special fund allocated to the payment of revenue bonds;
9. To borrow money and issue its revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes from time to time and to use the proceeds thereof for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost of any jail, including the cost of extending, adding to, or improving such jail, or for the purpose of refunding any such bonds of the authority theretofore issued; and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this article and to pay all other costs of the authority incident to, or necessary and appropriate to, such purposes, including the provision of funds to be paid into any fund or funds to secure such bonds and notes, provided that all such bonds and notes shall be issued in accordance with the procedures and subject to the limitations set forth in Code Section 42-4-100; and
10. To fix rentals and other charges which any user shall pay to the authority for the use of a jail or part or combination thereof, and to charge and collect the same, and to lease and make contracts with political subdivisions and agencies with respect to the use of any part of any jail or jails. Such rentals and other charges shall be so fixed and adjusted with respect to the aggregate thereof from the jail or any part thereof so as to provide a fund with other revenues of such jail, if any, to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the jail, including reserves for extraordinary repairs and insurance, unless such cost shall be otherwise provided for, which costs shall be deemed to include the expenses incurred by the authority on account of the jail for water, light, sewer, and other services furnished by other facilities at such jail.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-97 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 6; Ga. L. 1997, p. 143, § 42.

42-4-98. Duties and responsibilities of sheriffs and governing bodies imposed upon management committee and authority.

1. Every duty and responsibility of the sheriff of a participant county to operate a jail in an efficient and orderly manner is imposed upon the management committee and to that extent the sheriff of a participant county is relieved of those duties with respect to the operation of a jail including specifically, but without limitation, Code Section 15-16-24 and this chapter.
2. Every duty and responsibility of the governing body of a participant county to erect, repair, and furnish a jail in an efficient and orderly manner is imposed on the authority as provided in the agreement between the participating government and the authority and to that extent the county is relieved, including specifically but without limitation, of those duties imposed by Code Sections 36-9-5 through 36-9-11, with respect to jails. The authority shall adopt a budget for the operation of the jail that reasonably and adequately provides for the personnel, training of personnel, equipment, facilities, and other items necessary for the management committee to operate the jail. The authority shall hold budget hearings not less than 120 days prior to the adoption of the budget.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-98 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 143, § 42.

42-4-99. Limitation on liability of members, officers, or employees.

Except for willful or wanton misconduct, neither the members of the authority nor any officer or employee of the authority, acting on behalf thereof and while acting within the scope of his or her responsibilities, shall be subject to any liability resulting from:

1. The design, construction, ownership, maintenance, operation, or management of a jail or jails; or
2. The carrying out of any of the discretionary powers or duties expressly provided for in this article.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-99 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1.

42-4-100. Bonds or other obligations; requirements and procedure for issuance.

1. Subject to the limitations and procedures provided by this Code section, the obligations of any authority evidenced by bonds, bond anticipation notes, trust indentures, deeds to secure obligations, security agreements, or mortgages executed in connection therewith may contain such provisions not inconsistent with law as shall be determined by the board of directors of the authority. The authority, in such instruments, may provide for the pledging of all or any part of its revenues, income, or charges and for the mortgaging, encumbering, or conveying of all or any part of its real or personal property; may covenant against pledging any or all of its revenues, income, or charges; and may further provide for the disposition of proceeds realized from the sale of any bonds and bond anticipation notes, for the replacement of lost, destroyed, stolen, or mutilated bonds and notes, and for the payment and redemption of such bonds and notes. Similarly, subject to the limitations and procedures of this Code section, undertakings of any authority may prescribe the procedure by which bondholders and noteholders may enforce rights against the authority and provide for rights upon breach of any covenant, condition, or obligation of the authority. Bonds, resolutions, trust indentures, mortgages, or deeds to secure obligations executed by an authority and bond anticipation notes executed by an authority may contain such provisions not otherwise contrary to law as the authority shall deem necessary or desirable.
2. The proceeds derived from the sale of all bonds and bond anticipation notes issued by an authority shall be held and used for the ultimate purpose of paying, directly or indirectly as permitted in this article, all or part of the cost of any jail, including the cost of extending, financing, adding to, or improving such jail, or for the purpose of refunding any bond anticipation notes issued in accordance with this article or refunding any previously issued bonds of the authority.
3. All bonds and bond anticipation notes issued by an authority shall be revenue obligations of such authority and may be made payable out of any revenues or other receipts, funds, or moneys of the authority, subject only to any agreements with the holders of other bonds or bond anticipation notes or to particular security agreements pledging any particular revenues, receipts, funds, or moneys.
4. Issuance by an authority of one or more series of bonds or bond anticipation notes for one or more purposes shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds or notes in connection with the same jail or with any other jails, but the proceeding wherein any subsequent bonds or bond anticipation notes shall be issued shall recognize and protect any prior pledge or mortgage made in any prior security agreement or made for any prior issue of bonds or bond anticipation notes, unless in the resolution authorizing such prior issue the right is expressly reserved to the authority to issue subsequent bonds or bond anticipation notes on a parity with such prior issue.
5. An authority shall have the power and is authorized, whenever revenue bonds of the authority have been validated as provided in this article, to issue, from time to time, its notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds as validated and to renew from time to time any such notes by the issuance of new notes, whether the notes to be renewed have or have not matured. The authority may issue notes only to provide funds which would otherwise be provided by the issuance of the bonds as validated. The notes may be authorized, sold, executed, and delivered in the same manner as bonds. As with its bonds, the authority may sell such notes at public or private sale. Any resolution or resolutions authorizing notes of the authority or any issue thereof may contain any provision which the authority is authorized to include in any such resolution or resolutions; and the authority may include in any notes any terms, covenants, or conditions which it is authorized to include in any bonds. Validation of such bonds shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of the notes, but it shall not be required that such notes be judicially validated. Bond anticipation notes shall not be issued in an amount exceeding the par value of the bonds in anticipation of which they are to be issued.
6. The interest rate on or rates to be borne by any bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the authority shall be fixed by the board of directors of the authority. Any limitation with respect to interest rates found in Article 3 of Chapter 82 of Title 36 or in the usury laws of this state shall not apply to obligations issued under this article.
7. All revenue bonds issued by an authority under this article will be issued and validated under and in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 82 of Title 36, except as provided in subsection (f) of this Code section and except as specifically set forth below:
   1. Revenue bonds issued by an authority shall be fully registered and shall be subject to such exchangeability and transferability provisions as the bond resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or any indenture or trust agreement may provide;
   2. Revenue bonds shall bear a certificate of validation. The signature of the clerk of the superior court of the judicial circuit in which the issuing authority is located may be made on the certificate of validation of such bonds by facsimile or by manual execution, stating the date on which such bonds were validated; and such entry shall be original evidence of the fact of judgment and shall be received as original evidence in any court in this state; and
   3. In lieu of specifying the rate or rates of interest which revenue bonds to be issued by an authority are to bear, the notice to the district attorney or the Attorney General and the notice to the public of the time, place, and date of the validation hearing may state that the bonds, when issued, will bear interest at a rate not exceeding a maximum per annum rate of interest specified in such notes or, in the event the bonds are to bear different rates of interest for different maturity dates, that none of such bonds shall bear interest at such rate or rates without regard to any limitation contained in any other statute or law of this state; provided, however, that nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting or restricting the right of the authority to sell such bonds at a discount, even if in so doing the effective interest cost resulting therefrom would exceed the maximum per annum interest rate specified in such notices.
8. The term “cost of project” shall have the meaning prescribed in paragraph (2) of Code Section 42-4-92 whenever referred to in bond resolutions of an authority, bonds, and bond anticipation notes issued by an authority, or notices and proceedings to validate such bonds.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-100 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1.

42-4-101. Bonds or other obligations not indebtedness of state or political subdivision; payment.

No bonds or other obligations of and no indebtedness incurred by any authority shall constitute an indebtedness or obligation of the State of Georgia or of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision thereof, nor shall any act of any authority in any manner constitute or result in the creation of an indebtedness of this state or of any such county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision. However, provisions of this Code section shall not preclude counties, municipal corporations, or other political subdivisions from choosing to guarantee the bonds, indebtedness, or other obligations of a jail authority as part of its demonstration of adequate financial responsibility pursuant to this article. All such bonds and obligations shall be payable solely from the revenues therein pledged to such payment, including pledged rentals, sales proceeds, insurance proceeds, and condemnation awards; and no holder or holders of any such bond or obligation shall ever have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of this state or of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision thereof or to enforce the payment thereof against any property of the state or of any such county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-101 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1.

42-4-102. Construction of article; bonds not subject to regulation under Georgia Uniform Securities Act; power of counties and municipalities to activate authorities.

1. This article shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. Sale or issuance of bonds by any authority shall not be subject to regulation under Chapter 5 of Title 10, the “Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008,” or any other law.
2. A county or any number of counties or a municipality or any number of municipalities shall have the right to activate any authority under this article, notwithstanding the existence of any other authority having similar powers or purposes within the county or a municipal corporation created pursuant to any general law or amendment to the Constitution of this state. However, nothing in this article shall be construed as repealing, amending, superseding, or altering the organization of or abridging the powers of such authorities as are now in existence.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-102 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 7; Ga. L. 2008, p. 381, § 10/SB 358.

42-4-103. Operation and finance agreement required; withdrawal from authority.

1. Failure of a participant county or participant municipality to execute an operation and finance agreement duly adopted by the authority at a regularly scheduled meeting or a meeting called for that purpose within 60 days after such agreement has been executed by two or more participant counties or participant municipalities shall constitute a withdrawal from the authority.
2. Any participant county or participant municipality may withdraw from the authority subject to any contract, obligation, or agreement with the authority, but no participant county or participant municipality shall be permitted to withdraw from any authority after any obligation has been incurred by the authority. The governing body of the participant county or participant municipality wishing to withdraw from an existing authority shall signify its desire by resolution or ordinance.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-103 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 8.

42-4-104. Authority of county or municipality to establish and maintain jail or jail-holding facility.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this article, no participant county or participant municipality shall be prohibited from establishing and maintaining any jail or jail-holding facility. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, such jails shall be operated as provided in the laws of this state as if the county or municipality was not a participant in the regional jail authority.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-104 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 9.

42-4-105. Immunity of authorities from liability.

Regional jail authorities shall be carrying out an essential governmental function on behalf of participant counties or participant municipalities and are, therefore, given immunity from liability for carrying out their intended functions.

History. Code 1981, § 42-4-105 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 292, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1098, § 10.

42-5-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

1. “Board” means the Board of Corrections.
2. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of corrections.
3. “Department” means the Department of Corrections.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-1 ; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

Cross references.

Notification to Department of Corrections, Uniform Superior Court Rules, Rule 35.1.

Editor’s notes.

This Code section was created as part of the Code revision and was thus enacted by Ga. L. 1981, Ex. Sess., p. 8 (Code enactment Act).

42-5-2. Responsibilities of governmental unit with custody of inmate; costs of emergency and follow-up care; access to medical services or hospital care; hospital requirements for providing emergency health care services to state inmates.

1. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall be the responsibility of the governmental unit, subdivision, or agency having the physical custody of an inmate to maintain the inmate, furnishing him food, clothing, and any needed medical and hospital attention; to defend any habeas corpus or other proceedings instituted by or on behalf of the inmate; and to bear all expenses relative to any escape and recapture, including the expenses of extradition.  Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall be the responsibility of the department to bear the costs of any reasonable and necessary emergency medical and hospital care which is provided to any inmate after the receipt by the department of the notice provided by subsection (a) of Code Section 42-5-50 who is in the physical custody of any other political subdivision or governmental agency of this state, except a county correctional institution, if the inmate is available and eligible for the transfer of his custody to the department pursuant to Code Section 42-5-50.  Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, the department shall also bear the costs of any reasonable and necessary follow-up medical or hospital care rendered to any such inmate as a result of the initial emergency care and treatment of the inmate. With respect to state inmates housed in county correctional institutions, the department shall bear the costs of direct medical services required for emergency medical conditions posing an immediate threat to life or limb if the inmate cannot be placed in a state institution for the receipt of this care.  The responsibility for payment will commence when the costs for direct medical services exceed an amount specified by rules and regulations of the Board of Corrections.  The department will pay only the balance in excess of the specified amount. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall remain the responsibility of the governmental unit having the physical custody of an inmate to bear the costs of such medical and hospital care, if the custody of the inmate has been transferred from the department pursuant to any order of any court within this state.  The department shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations relative to payment of such medical and hospital costs by the department.
2. 1. The officer in charge will provide an inmate access to medical services or hospital care and may arrange for the inmate’s health insurance carrier to pay the health care provider for the services or care rendered as provided in Article 3 of Chapter 4 of this title.
   2. With respect to an inmate covered under Article 3 of Chapter 4 of this title, the costs of any medical services, emergency medical and hospital care, or follow-up medical or hospital care as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section for which a local governmental unit is responsible shall mean the costs of such medical services and hospital care which have not been paid by the inmate’s health insurance carrier or the Department of Community Health.
3. A hospital authority or hospital which is not a party to a contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections or its agents on July 1, 2009, shall be reimbursed no more than the applicable Georgia Medicaid rate for emergency services provided to such state inmate. For purposes of this subsection, the term “state inmate” means any inmate for whom the Georgia Department of Corrections shall be responsible for the payment of medical care thereof. Nothing in this Code section shall prohibit the Georgia Department of Corrections from negotiating higher fees or rates with health care providers. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Georgia Department of Corrections or its agents enter into negotiations with health care providers to contract for the provision of services as provided in this Code section.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 13; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1361, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, § 31; Ga. L. 1986, p. 493, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 2125, § 3; Ga. L. 1999, p. 296, § 24; Ga. L. 2009, p. 136, § 1A/HB 464.

Cross references.

Habeas corpus generally, T. 9, C. 14.

Law reviews.

For article surveying legislative and judicial developments in Georgia local government law for 1978-79, see 31 Mercer L. Rev. 155 (1979).

For note on 1992 amendment of this Code section, see 9 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 310 (1992).

For note, “Finding Immunity: Manders v. Lee and the Erosion of 1983 Liability,” see 55 Mercer L. Rev. 1505 (2004).

42-5-3. Department’s responsibility for trial costs and expenses.

The whole costs of the case and expenses of the trial involving an inmate of the state penal system charged with the violation of any criminal statute shall be borne by the department, provided the offense was committed by the inmate within the confines of a state correctional institution or was the crime of escape or attempted escape. The costs and expenses of the trial shall include, but shall not be limited to, the cost of the sheriff, bailiff, clerks, jurors, and jail fees and shall be paid by the department to the governing authority of the county in which the trial was conducted, for proper disposition.

History. Orig. Code 1863, § 4690; Code 1868, § 4714; Code 1873, § 4812; Code 1882, § 4812; Penal Code 1895, § 1174; Penal Code 1910, § 1230; Code 1933, § 77-401; Ga. L. 1964, p. 462, § 1; Ga. L. 1975, p. 1590, § 1.

Cross references.

Payment of costs of criminal proceedings generally, T. 17, Ch. 11.

42-5-4. Payment of trial costs and expenses.

The clerk of the superior court from the county in which the trial specified in Code Section 42-5-3 was conducted shall submit a statement of the charges, certified by the judge of the superior court or the judge of the city court, to the department, which shall pay the charges out of the appropriations provided therefor in accordance with schedules authorized by law.

History. Ga. L. 1964, p. 462, § 2.

42-5-5. Reimbursement of court costs and transportation and detention expenses incurred in trying escapees from state correctional institutions.

The department is authorized and directed to reimburse the clerk of the court for court costs incurred in trying a defendant for the crime of escape when the escape is from a state correctional institution and to reimburse the sheriff of the county wherein the trial takes place for the expense of transporting the defendant from the place of detention to court for trial and returning the defendant from the court to the place of detention, such reimbursement to be at the rate of 10¢ per mile.

History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 572, § 1.

42-5-6. Participation by county correctional institutions in state purchasing contracts.

County correctional institutions may participate in all state purchasing contracts for the purpose of providing materials and supplies to state or county inmates.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 908, § 2.

Cross references.

State purchasing generally, § 50-5-50 et seq.

42-5-7. Sudden or unusual death of inmate.

Whenever any inmate dies suddenly or under unusual circumstances in any correctional institution, the warden or superintendent of that institution shall immediately notify the commissioner and shall also notify the coroner of the county in which the death occurs. The warden or superintendent is also directed to furnish the department with a copy of the findings of the coroner’s inquest, together with any other information available that would be of use to the commissioner in determining the cause of death.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 25.

Cross references.

Reimbursement of counties for expenses of burial of inmates, § 36-12-5 .

Requirement of autopsy and inquest upon death of inmate occurring when physician not present or as a result of violence, § 45-16-27.

42-5-8. Notification upon escape of inmate.

In addition to any all-points bulletin issued by the department notifying all local law enforcement agencies within the state of the escape of any inmate from the custody of the department, the department shall also, within 72 hours of the discovery of the escape, notify all parties who in the judgment of the commissioner have a legitimate need to know that the inmate has escaped and who have requested in writing that the department notify the party prior to the inmate’s release from custody.

History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 393, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42.

42-5-9. Notification of projected release date of inmate.

At least 15 days prior to the projected release date of any inmate scheduled to be released pursuant to the authority of the department, the department shall notify the following persons of such projected release date by the following methods:

1. Each district attorney and all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state by making the necessary information available on a publicly accessible website; and
2. The presiding judge and the victims of crimes against the person by mail or electronic transmission. Notice to the victim shall only be required when the victim has provided the department with his or her current address. The notice to the victim or victims as required by the department in this Code section shall be reasonable notice and no liability or sanctions to the department related to notification or failure to notify shall lie against the department, its officers, or employees if said attempt at notice is of a reasonable effort.

History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 393, § 2; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1422, § 1; Ga. L. 2001, p. 4, § 42; Ga. L. 2005, p. 60, § 42/HB 95.

42-5-10. Promulgation of rules governing plans and specifications for new correctional institutions; certification of acceptability of old facilities by state fire marshal.

The board shall prescribe by rule and regulation the required plans and specifications defining the size and type of construction and materials to be employed in constructing all state and county correctional institutions. The specifications shall require that the buildings be as nearly free from fire hazards and as nearly escape-proof as is possible under all circumstances. A certificate of approval from the state fire marshal shall be conclusive as to the acceptability of all old state or county correctional institutions from a standpoint of fire hazard. No county shall establish a county correctional institution until its establishment and the plans and specifications thereof have been approved by the board.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 17.

42-5-11. General prohibition against receipt of remuneration in regard to assignment, transfer, or status of inmate.

1. It shall be unlawful for anyone other than a duly licensed attorney who is an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia and who is not a member of the General Assembly to accept a fee, money, or other remuneration, other than actual expenses, for contacting, in any manner, the commissioner, any employee of the department, or any member of the board in an attempt to influence the commissioner, employee, or board member concerning a transfer of an inmate from one correctional institution to another or concerning the status and assignment of an inmate within a correctional institution.
2. Any person who receives any fee, money, or other remuneration other than actual expenses, in violation of subsection (a) of this Code section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 1218, § 1.

42-5-12. Receipt of remuneration by state officials in regard to assignment, transfer, or status of inmate.

1. It shall be unlawful for members of the General Assembly or any other state elected or appointed official to accept a fee, money, or other remuneration for contacting, in any manner, the commissioner, any employee of the department, or any member of the board in an attempt to influence the commissioner, employee, or board member concerning a transfer of an inmate from one correctional institution to another or concerning the status and assignment of an inmate within a correctional institution.
2. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed so as to prohibit:
   1. Members of the General Assembly or other state elected or appointed officials from appearing before or contacting the commissioner, employees of the department, or members of the board when their official duties require them to do so;
   2. Members of the General Assembly or other state elected or appointed officials from requesting information from and presenting information to the commissioner, employees of the department, or members of the board on behalf of constituents when no compensation, gift, favor, or anything of value is accepted, either directly or indirectly, for such services; or
   3. Members of the General Assembly or other state elected or appointed officials from contacting the commissioner, any employee of the department, or any member of the board on behalf of any person so long as there is no fee, money, or other remuneration being paid or received for such contacting.
3. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to apply to the acceptance of compensation, expenses, and allowances received by members of the General Assembly or any other state elected or appointed official for his duties as a member or official.
4. Nothing contained in this Code section shall preclude any attorney from contacting a client who may be in a correctional institution or from making any reasonable contact with employees of the department to the extent that the contact with employees may be necessary to contact his client.
5. Any person violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 1218, § 3.

42-5-13. Record of person contacting commissioner, department, or board on behalf of inmate.

The department shall maintain a complete written record of every person contacting the commissioner, any employee of the department, or any member of the board concerning a transfer of an inmate from one correctional institution to another or concerning the status and assignment of an inmate within a correctional institution. The record shall include the name and address of the person contacting the commissioner, employee, or board member and the reason for the contact.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 1218, § 2.

42-5-14. Establishment of guard lines and signs at state or county correctional institutions.

Guard lines shall be established by the warden, superintendent, or his designated representative in charge at the various state or county correctional institutions in the same manner that land lines are established, except that, at each corner of the lines, signs must be used on which shall be plainly stamped or written: “Guard line of _______________ .” Signs shall also be placed at all entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians at the institutions and at such intervals along the guard lines as will reasonably place all persons approaching the guard lines on notice of the location of the institutions.

History. Ga. L. 1903, p. 71, § 3; Penal Code 1910, § 1231; Code 1933, § 77-403; Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1.

42-5-15. Crossing of guard lines with weapons, intoxicants, or drugs without consent of warden or superintendent.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines established at any state or county correctional institution with a gun, pistol, or any other weapon or with or under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, amphetamines, biphetamines, or any other hallucinogenic or other drugs, without the knowledge or consent of the warden, superintendent, or his or her designated representative.
2. Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than four years.

History. Ga. L. 1903, p. 71, § 1; Penal Code 1910, § 1232; Code 1933, § 77-404; Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1; Ga. L. 1971, p. 220, § 1; Ga. L. 2017, p. 673, § 3-2/SB 149.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, inserted “or her” near the end of subsection (a).

42-5-16. Trading with inmates without consent of warden or superintendent.

It shall be unlawful for any person to trade or traffic with, buy from, or sell any article to an inmate without the knowledge and consent of the warden, superintendent, or the designated representative in charge.

History. Ga. L. 1903, p. 71, § 2; Penal Code 1910, § 1233; Code 1933, § 77-405; Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1.

42-5-17. Loitering near inmates after being ordered to desist.

It shall be unlawful for any person to loaf, linger, or stand around where inmates are employed or kept after having been ordered by the warden, superintendent, or designated representative in charge of the inmates to desist therefrom.

History. Ga. L. 1903, p. 71, § 5; Penal Code 1910, § 1234; Code 1933, § 77-406; Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1.

Cross references.

Prohibition against solicitation of business by professional bondsmen at places where prisoners are confined, § 17-6-52 .

42-5-18. Items prohibited for possession by inmates; warden’s authorization; penalty; use of unmanned aircraft to accomplish violations.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Inmate” means a prisoner, detainee, criminal suspect, immigration detainee, or other person held, incarcerated, or detained in a place of incarceration, whether or not such person is inside or outside of such place of incarceration.
   2. “Place of incarceration” means any prison, probation detention center, jail, or institution, including any state, federal, local, or privately operated facility, used for the purpose of incarcerating criminals or detainees.
   3. “Telecommunications device” means a device, an apparatus associated with a device, or a component of a device that enables, or may be used to enable, communication with a person outside a place of incarceration, including a telephone, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, transmitting radio, or computer connected or capable of being connected to a computer network, by wireless or other technology, or otherwise capable of communicating with a person or device outside of a place of incarceration.
   4. “Warden or superintendent” means the commissioner or any warden, superintendent, sheriff, chief jailor, or other person who is responsible for the overall management and operation of a place of incarceration.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain for, to procure for, or to give to an inmate a gun, pistol, or any other weapon; any intoxicating liquor; amphetamines, biphetamines, or any other hallucinogenic drugs or other drugs, regardless of the amount; any telecommunications device; or any other article or item without the authorization of the warden or superintendent or his or her designee.

   (b.1) It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain for, to procure for, or to give to an inmate tobacco or any product containing tobacco without the authorization of the warden or superintendent or his or her designee.

3. It shall be unlawful for an inmate to possess a gun, pistol, or any other weapon; any intoxicating liquor; tobacco or any product containing tobacco; amphetamines, biphetamines, or any other hallucinogenic drugs or other drugs, regardless of the amount; a telecommunications device; or any other item without the authorization of the warden or superintendent or his or her designee.
4. 1. An inmate who commits or attempts to commit a violation of subsection (c) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years; provided, however, that if an inmate violates this Code section while being held pursuant to an arrest or conviction for a misdemeanor offense, the possession of a telecommunications device in violation of this Code section shall be treated as a misdemeanor.
   2. A person who commits or attempts to commit a violation of subsection (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years but not more than ten years, and no portion of the mandatory minimum sentence imposed shall be suspended, stayed, probated, deferred, or withheld by the sentencing court.
   3. A person who commits or attempts to commit a violation of subsection (b.1) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years.
5. 1. It shall be unlawful for an inmate to possess a stored value card, the account number of a stored value card, or the personal identification number of a stored value card.
   2. It shall be unlawful for any person to obtain for, to procure for, or to give an inmate a stored value card, the account number of a stored value card, or the personal identification number of a stored value card.
   3. A person who commits a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than ten years, unless the judge imposes a misdemeanor sentence pursuant to Code Section 17-10-5.
6. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally use an unmanned aircraft system to violate the provisions of subsection (b) or (b.1) of this Code section.
   2. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally photograph or otherwise record images of a place of incarceration through the use of an unmanned aircraft system for purposes of committing a criminal offense.
      2. Any person may secure prior authorization from the warden or the superintendent, or his or her designated representative, of such place of incarceration for photographing or recording as evidence of a noncriminal intent; provided, however, that failure to secure such prior authorization shall not evidence a criminal intent.
   3. Any person who commits or attempts to commit a violation of this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced as follows:
      1. Any person convicted of a violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than ten years; and
      2. Any person convicted of paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years.
   4. For purposes of this Code section, the term “unmanned aircraft system” shall have the same meaning as provided for in Code Section 6-1-4.

History. Ga. L. 1976, p. 1506, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 593, § 1; Ga. L. 2008, p. 533, § 1/SB 366; Ga. L. 2016, p. 811, § 8/HB 874; Ga. L. 2017, p. 673, § 3-3/SB 149; Ga. L. 2018, p. 1112, § 42/SB 365; Ga. L. 2019, p. 293, § 1/SB 6; Ga. L. 2020, p. 493, § 42/SB 429.

The 2016 amendment, effective May 3, 2016, designated the existing provisions of subsection (d) as paragraph (d)(1); in paragraph (d)(1), substituted “An inmate” for “A person” in the beginning, inserted “subsection (c) of”, and substituted “an inmate” for “a person” in the middle; and added paragraph (d)(2).

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, added “, whether or not such person is inside or outside of such place of incarceration” at the end of paragraph (a)(1); added paragraph (b.1); inserted “tobacco or any product containing tobacco;” near the beginning of subsection (c); added paragraph (d)(3); and added subsection (e).

The 2018 amendment, effective May 8, 2018, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted “means the commissioner” for “shall mean the commissioner” in paragraph (a)(4); and substituted “provided, however, that if an inmate” for “provided, however, if an inmate” in the proviso of paragraph (d)(1).

The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, added subsection (f).

The 2020 amendment, effective July 29, 2020, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, revised capitalization in paragraph (f)(4).

Cross references.

Similar provisions regarding furnishing of alcoholic beverages to inmates of jails, penal institutions, correctional facilities, or other lawful places of confinement, § 3-3-25 .

42-5-19. Penalty for violating Code Section 42-5-16 or 42-5-17.

Any person who violates Code Section 42-5-16 or 42-5-17 shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for not less than one nor more than five years.

History. Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1; Ga. L. 1976, p. 1506, § 1; Ga. L. 2008, p. 533, § 2/SB 366.

42-5-20. Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.

The department shall provide within the correctional system an Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. The program shall be made available to every person sentenced to the custody of the state whose criminal offense or history indicates alcohol or drug involvement; provided, however, that the provisions of this Code section shall not apply to a person who has been sentenced to the punishment of death or those deemed mentally incompetent.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-20 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 625, § 1.

Law reviews.

For note on the 1995 enactment of this Code section, see 12 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 301 (1995).

42-5-21. Family Violence Counseling Program.

The department shall provide within the correctional system a Family Violence Counseling Program. The program shall be made available to every person sentenced to the custody of the state who committed an offense which has been identified to involve family violence as such term is defined in Code Section 19-13-1; provided, however, that the provisions of this Code section shall not apply to a person who has been sentenced to the punishment of death or to those deemed mentally incompetent.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-21 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1113, § 1.

42-5-30. Qualifications for wardens, superintendents, and other personnel; appointment of wardens of county correctional institutions.

The board shall by rule and regulation define the qualifications for wardens, superintendents, and other personnel employed in the state and county correctional institutions. The board shall by rule and regulation specify appropriate titles of personnel so employed, but no such personnel shall be known as or designated by the board as “guards” or “prison guards.” The wardens and deputy wardens of the various county correctional institutions shall be appointed by the governing authority of the county, subject to approval of the board, and shall serve at the pleasure of the county or the board.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 18; Ga. L. 1984, p. 639, § 1; Ga. L. 1993, p. 417, § 1.

42-5-31. Oath of office of wardens and superintendents, their deputies, and other correctional officers.

Before entering upon the duties of their office, wardens and superintendents, their deputies, and other correctional officers or employees shall take and subscribe, before some officer authorized to administer oaths, the following oath:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of Georgia and that I will faithfully perform and discharge the duties of my office conscientiously and without malice or partiality, to the best of my ability. So help me God.”

History. Penal Code 1910, § 1197; Code 1933, § 77-311; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1155, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 639, § 2.

42-5-32. Bonds of superintendents, wardens, and other officials and employees.

1. Before any state or county correctional institution or other facility operating under the jurisdiction of the board shall be approved to receive inmates, the board shall require the warden, superintendent, or other chief custodial officer of the institution to execute a bond, in an amount as the board may require, with good securities to be approved by it, such bond to be not less than $10,000.00, payable to the Governor and his successors in office and conditioned upon the following:
   1. To account faithfully for all public and other funds or property coming into the principal’s custody, control, care, or possession; and
   2. To discharge truly and faithfully all the duties imposed upon him by law or by the rules and regulations of the board.
2. The board may also require that any other officials, employees, or agents of the department or of the various penal institutions referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section shall give bond as referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section, in an amount to be determined by the board, but in no case to be less than $5,000.00.
3. All bonds given under this Code section shall be liable for any breach of the conditions specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section by a deputy, agent, or subordinate of the principal, whether expressed therein or not; and all such bonds shall be subject to and governed by all the provisions of Chapter 4 of Title 45 which are not in conflict with this Code section. The costs of bonds obtained for wardens and other officials or employees of the county correctional institutions shall be paid for by the county. The costs of bonds obtained for superintendents and other officials or employees of the state correctional institutions and of the department shall be paid for by the state.

History. Penal Code 1910, § 1197; Code 1933, § 77-311; Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 20; Ga. L. 1957, p. 477, § 5.

Cross references.

Official bonds generally, T. 45, C. 4.

42-5-33. Submission of monthly reports to commissioner by wardens and superintendents.

The wardens or superintendents of all state or county correctional institutions shall send monthly reports to the commissioner showing the names of all inmates held in custody.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 26.

42-5-34. Powers of arrest of wardens, superintendents, and deputies.

Wardens and superintendents shall have authority to deputize any person in their employ. Wardens, superintendents, and their deputies are legally constituted arresting officers, with or without warrants, for the purpose of arresting persons violating Code Sections 42-5-14 through 42-5-18. Any person resisting arrest shall be dealt with as the law directs for resisting an officer.

History. Ga. L. 1961, p. 45, § 1; Ga. L. 1986, p. 1170, § 1.

42-5-35. Conferral of police powers; authorization to assist local law enforcement officers or correctional officers; retention of badge.

1. The commissioner may confer all powers of a police officer of this state, including, but not limited to, the power to make summary arrests for violations of any of the criminal laws of this state and the power to carry weapons, upon wardens of county correctional institutions and upon persons in the commissioner’s employment as the commissioner deems necessary, provided that individuals so designated meet the requirements specified in all applicable laws.
2. The commissioner or his designee may authorize certain persons in his employment to assist law enforcement officers or correctional officers of local governments in preserving order and peace when so requested by such local authorities.
3. Correctional employees leaving the service of the department under honorable conditions who have accumulated 25 or more years of service with the department as a certified peace officer or who are killed in the line of duty shall be entitled as part of such employee’s compensation to retain his or her department issued badge or have such badge given to his or her surviving family member. If a correctional employee serving in a certified position leaves the service of the department due to a disability that arose in the line of duty and the disability prevents the employee from working as a law enforcement officer, then the employee shall be entitled as part of such employee’s compensation to retain his or her department issued badge regardless of his or her number of years of service with the department. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this subsection.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 19; Ga. L. 1972, p. 599, § 1; Ga. L. 1975, p. 1246, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 672, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1986, p. 1170, § 2; Ga. L. 1987, p. 454, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 464, § 1; Ga. L. 2007, p. 274, § 1/SB 235.

42-5-36. Confidentiality of certain information related to inmates; certain information classified as state secrets; declassification; exception; records custodians; penalties for breach.

1. Officials and employees of the department shall respect the confidential nature of information supplied by inmates who cooperate in remedying abuses and wrongdoing in the penal system. Any official or employee who breaks such a confidence and thereby subjects a cooperating inmate to physical jeopardy or harassment shall be subject to suspension or discharge.
2. Investigation reports and intelligence data prepared by the Internal Investigations Unit of the department shall be classified as confidential state secrets and privileged under law, unless declassified in writing by the commissioner.
3. 1. As used in this subsection, the term:
      1. “Dangerous sexual offense” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 42-1-12.
      2. “Serious offense” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 42-9-42.
      3. “Serious violent felony” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 17-10-6.1.
   2. All institutional inmate files and central office inmate files of the department shall be classified as confidential state secrets and privileged under law, unless declassified in writing by the commissioner; provided, however, that:
      1. 1. Except for medical records, this subsection shall not apply to information requested by the district attorney of the circuit in which the inmate was sentenced for a serious violent felony or sentenced for a dangerous sexual offense against a person less than 18 years of age for purposes of such district attorney submitting information or filing a written objection under Code Section 42-9-43;
         2. The commissioner shall furnish the records provided for under division (i) of this subparagraph that were created on and after January 31, 2010, upon receipt of the request for such records from the district attorney, and such request shall state that the records are sought for purposes of submitting information or filing a written objection under Code Section 42-9-43; and
         3. Any record provided for under this subparagraph shall be held in confidence by the district attorney and shall not be subject to disclosure under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50 and shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (f) of this Code section.
      2. These records shall be subject to subpoena by a court of competent jurisdiction of this state; and
      3. The commissioner shall prepare a report of the conduct of record of any inmate serving a sentence for a serious violent felony. When the report includes conduct which would constitute a serious offense, reasonably related information connected to such offense shall be included in the report. Such report shall be subject to disclosure under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 42-9-43.
4. 1. As used in this subsection, the term “identifying information” means any records or information that reveals a name, residential or business address, residential or business telephone number, day and month of birth, social security number, or professional qualifications.
   2. The identifying information of any person or entity who participates in or administers the execution of a death sentence and the identifying information of any person or entity that manufactures, supplies, compounds, or prescribes the drugs, medical supplies, or medical equipment utilized in the execution of a death sentence shall be confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50 or under judicial process. Such information shall be classified as a confidential state secret.
5. The commissioner shall designate members of the department to be the official custodians of the records of the department. The custodians may certify copies or compilations, including extracts thereof, of the records of the department. Subject to the provisions of this Code section, in response to a subpoena or upon the request of any appropriate government or judicial official, the department may provide a duly authenticated copy of any record or other document. This authenticated copy may consist of a photocopy or computer printout of the requested document certified by the commissioner or his or her duly authorized representative.
6. No person shall divulge or cause to be divulged in any manner any confidential state secret. Any person violating this Code section or any person who causes or procures a violation of this Code section or conspires to violate this Code section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 5; Ga. L. 1983, p. 680, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1984, p. 1361, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 851, § 1; Ga. L. 2013, p. 1056, § 1A/HB 122; Ga. L. 2017, p. 585, § 2-4/SB 174; Ga. L. 2021, p. 91, § 1/HB 168.

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, added subsection (d); and redesignated former subsection (d) as present subsection (e).

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, substituted the present provisions of subsection (c) for the former provisions, which read: “(c) All institutional inmate files and central office inmate files of the department shall be classified as confidential state secrets and privileged under law, unless declassified in writing by the commissioner; provided, however, these records shall be subject to subpoena by a court of competent jurisdiction of this state.”

The 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, in subsection (c), added subparagraph (c)(1)(A), redesignated former subparagraphs (c)(1)(A) and (c)(1)(B) as present subparagraphs (c)(1)(B) and (c)(1)(C), respectively, substituted the present provisions of paragraph (c)(2) for the former provisions, which read: “All institutional inmate files and central office inmate files of the department shall be classified as confidential state secrets and privileged under law, unless declassified in writing by the commissioner; provided, however, that these records shall be subject to subpoena by a court of competent jurisdiction of this state and provided, further, that the commissioner shall prepare a report of the conduct of record of any inmate serving a sentence for a serious violent felony. When the report includes conduct which would constitute a serious offense, reasonably related information connected to such offense shall be included in the report. Such report shall be subject to disclosure under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 42-9-43.”; and added subsection (f).

Cross references.

Privileged communications generally, § 24-5-501 et seq.

Inspection of public records generally, § 50-18-70 et seq.

Law reviews.

For article commenting on the 1997 amendment of this Code section, see 14 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 230 (1997).

For article, “Death Penalty,” see 66 Mercer L. Rev. 51 (2014).

For article on the 2017 amendment of this Code section, see 34 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 115 (2017).

42-5-37. Employees in control of inmates prohibited from receiving profit from inmate labor; penalties.

1. No warden, superintendent, deputy, inspector, physician, or any officer or other employee who has charge, control, or direction of inmates shall be interested in any manner whatever in the work or profit of the labor of any inmate; nor shall any such personnel receive any pay, gift, gratuity, or favor of a valuable character from any person interested, either directly or indirectly, in such labor.
2. Any person violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than five years. The offense may be reduced to a misdemeanor by recommendation of the jury trying the case, if the court concurs in the jury’s recommendation. In addition, a person who violates subsection (a) of this Code section shall be summarily discharged from the service of the state by the department.
3. This Code section shall not prohibit a part-time professional employee from the regular practice of his profession.

History. Ga. L. 1908, p. 1119, § 11; Penal Code 1910, § 1196; Code 1933, § 77-9906; Ga. L. 1984, p. 639, § 3.

42-5-37.1. Compensation of employees of institutions operated by department for damages to wearing apparel caused by inmate action.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “wearing apparel” means eyeglasses, hearing aids, clothing, and similar items worn on the person of the employee.
2. When action by an inmate in one of the penal institutions operated by the department results in damage to an item of wearing apparel of an employee of the institution, the department shall compensate the employee for the loss in the amount of the repair cost, the replacement value, or the cost of the item of wearing apparel, whichever is less.
3. Such losses shall be compensated only in accordance with procedures to be established by the department.

History. Ga. L. 1981, p. 1429, § 1.

42-5-38. Making false statement as to age to procure employment.

Any person who makes a false statement as to his age in order to procure employment as a correctional officer, warden, superintendent, or other employee shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1908, p. 1119, § 10; Penal Code 1910, § 1193; Code 1933, § 77-9905.

42-5-39. Refusal by officer to receive inmates in correctional institution.

If the superintendent or warden of a state or county correctional institution or other officer or person employed therein whose duty it is to receive inmates fails or refuses to do so, he shall be punished by confinement not exceeding ten years and shall be dismissed from office.

History. Cobb’s 1851 Digest, p. 807; Code 1863, § 4381; Code 1868, § 4419; Code 1873, § 4487; Code 1882, § 4487; Penal Code 1895, § 286; Penal Code 1910, § 290; Code 1933, § 77-9903.

42-5-40. Requiring inmates to do unnecessary work on Sunday.

Any superintendent, warden, or other correctional official who causes any inmate to do any work on Sunday, except works of necessity, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

History. Ga. L. 1908, p. 1119, § 14; Penal Code 1910, § 420; Code 1933, § 26-6909; Code 1933, § 26-9909, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 1249, § 1.

Law reviews.

For comment criticizing judicial intervention in Brown v. Teel, 236 A.2d 699 (N.H. 1967), and advocating deference to legislative determination of Sunday business law, see 19 Mercer L. Rev. 445 (1968).

For comment on Hughes v. Reynolds, 223 Ga. 727 , 157 S.E.2d 746 (1967), holding the Sunday Business Activities Act of 1967 (Code 1933, Ch. 96-8) unconstitutional, see 19 Mercer L. Rev. 479 (1968).

42-5-41. [Repealed] Compensation of department employee injured by inmate or probationer.

History. Ga. L. 1985, p. 1113, § 1. For current provisions regarding compensation of department employees injured in the line of duty by an act of external violence, see Code Section 45-7-9; repealed by Ga. L. 1986, p. 1491, § 2, effective July 1, 1986.

42-5-50. Transmittal of information on convicted persons; place of detention; payment for inmates not transferred to the custody of the department; notice in the event of convicted person free on bond pending appeal.

1. The clerk of the court shall notify the commissioner of a sentence within 30 working days following the receipt of the sentence and send other documents set forth in this Code section. Such notice shall be submitted electronically and shall contain the following documents:
   1. A certified copy of the sentence;
   2. A complete history of the convicted person, including a certified copy of the indictment, accusation, or both and such other information as the commissioner may require;
   3. An affidavit of the custodian of such person indicating the total number of days the convicted person was incarcerated prior to the imposition of the sentence. It shall be the duty of the custodian of such person to transmit the affidavit provided for in this paragraph to the clerk of the superior court within ten days following the date on which the sentence is imposed;
   4. Order of probation revocation or tolling of probation; and
   5. A copy of the sentencing information report is required in all jurisdictions with an options system day reporting center certified by the Department of Community Supervision. The failure to provide the sentencing information report shall not cause an increase in the 15 day time period for the department to assign the inmate to a correctional institution as set forth in subsection (b) of this Code section.

      All of the aforementioned documents shall be submitted on forms provided by the commissioner. The commissioner shall file one copy of each such document with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles within 30 working days of receipt of such documents from the clerk of the court. Except where the clerk is on a salary, the clerk shall receive from funds of the county the fee prescribed in Code Section 15-6-77 for such service.

2. Within 15 days after the receipt of the information provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section, the commissioner shall assign the convicted person to a correctional institution designated by the commissioner in accordance with subsection (b) of Code Section 42-5-51. It shall be the financial responsibility of the correctional institution to provide for the picking up and transportation, under guard, of the inmate to the inmate’s assigned place of detention. If the inmate is assigned to a county correctional institution or other county facility, the county shall assume such duty and responsibility.
3. The state shall pay for each such inmate not transferred to the custody of the department from a county facility the per diem rate specified by subsection (c) of Code Section 42-5-51 for each day the inmate remains in the custody of the county after the department receives the notice provided by subsection (a) of this Code section.
4. In the event that the convicted person is free on bond pending the appeal of his or her conviction, the notice provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be transmitted to the commissioner until all appeals of such conviction have been disposed of or until the bond shall be revoked.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 13; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 1; Ga. L. 1977, p. 1098, § 9; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1364, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, § 31; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1990, p. 565, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 94, § 42; Ga. L. 1998, p. 194, § 1; Ga. L. 2004, p. 775, § 2; Ga. L. 2010, p. 214, § 17/HB 567; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-5/HB 1176; Ga. L. 2013, p. 141, § 42/HB 79; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 5-71/HB 310.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted “submitted electronically and shall contain” for “mailed within such time period by first-class mail and shall be accompanied by two complete and certified sentence packages containing” in the second sentence of the introductory paragraph of subsection (a); substituted “department” for “Department of Corrections” at the end of the first sentence in paragraph (a)(5); and substituted “documents shall” for “documents will” in the first sentence of the ending undesignated paragraph following paragraph (a)(5). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2013 amendment, effective April 24, 2013, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, revised language at the end of the last sentence of paragraph (a)(5).

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “Department of Community Supervision” for “department” in the first sentence of paragraph (a)(5). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Imposition of sentence generally, § 17-10-1 .

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-5-51. Jurisdiction over certain misdemeanor offenders; designation of place of confinement of inmates; reimbursement of county; transfer of inmates to federal authority.

1. The department shall have no authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility with respect to misdemeanor offenders sentenced under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 17-10-3 to confinement in the county or other jail, county correctional institution, or such other places as counties may provide for maintenance of county inmates. The county wherein the sentence is imposed shall have the sole responsibility of executing the sentence and of providing for the care, maintenance, and upkeep of the inmate while serving such sentence; provided, however, that, where the sentencing judge certifies to the department that the county facilities of that county are inadequate for maintaining female inmates, any female inmate may be committed to the department to serve her sentence in a state correctional institution, as may be directed by the department; provided, further, that the delivery of the female inmates to the proper place of incarceration shall be at the expense of the county of conviction.
2. Where any person is convicted of any offense, misdemeanor, or felony and sentenced to serve time in any penal institution in this state other than as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section, he shall be committed to the custody of the commissioner who, with the approval of the board, shall designate the place of confinement where the sentence shall be served.
3. After proper documentation is received from the clerk of the court, the department shall have 15 days to transfer an inmate under sentence to the place of confinement. If the inmate is not transferred within the 15 days, the department shall reimburse the county, in a sum not less than $7.50 per day per inmate and in such an amount as may be appropriated for this purpose by the General Assembly, for the cost of the incarceration, commencing 15 days after proper documentation is received by the department from the clerk of the court; provided, however, that, subject to an appropriation of funds, local governing authorities that have entered into memorandums of understanding or agreement or that demonstrate continuous attempts to enter into memorandums of understanding or agreement with the federal government under Section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act shall receive an additional payment in the amount of 10 percent of the established rate paid for reimbursement for the confinement of state inmates in local confinement facilities. The reimbursement provisions of this Code section shall only apply to payment for the incarceration of felony inmates available for transfer to the department, except inmates under death sentence awaiting transfer after their initial trial, and shall not apply to inmates who were incarcerated under the custody of the commissioner at the time they were returned to the county jail for trial on additional charges or returned to the county jail for any other purposes, including for the purpose of a new trial.
4. Notwithstanding any language in the sentence as passed by the court, the commissioner may designate as a place of confinement any available, suitable, and appropriate state or county correctional institution in this state operated under the jurisdiction or supervision of the department. The commissioner shall also have sole authority to transfer inmates from one state or county correctional institution in this state to any other such institution operated by or under the jurisdiction or supervision of or approved by the board. Neither male nor female state inmates shall be assigned to serve in any manner in a county jail unless they are participating in a state sponsored project and have the approval of the commissioner and the sheriff or the jail administrator of the county. Furthermore, the commissioner may transfer to the Attorney General of the United States for confinement any inmate if it is determined that the custody, care, treatment, training, or rehabilitation of the inmate has not been adequate or in the best interest of the inmate or his fellow inmates. The commissioner is authorized to contract with the Attorney General of the United States for the custody, care, subsistence, housing, treatment, training, and rehabilitation of such inmates.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 13; Ga. L. 1964, p. 489, § 2; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 1; Ga. L. 1972, p. 582, § 1; Ga. L. 1973, p. 1297, § 1; Ga. L. 1979, p. 376, § 1; Ga. L. 1981, p. 1434, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1364, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 604, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 14/HB 87.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 1/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011.’ ”

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 21/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “(a) If any provision or part of any provision of this Act or the application of the same is held invalid or unconstitutional, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or applications of this Act or any other part of this Act than can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.

“(b) The terms of this Act regarding immigration shall be construed to have the meanings consistent with such terms under federal immigration law.

“(c) The provisions of this Act shall be implemented in a manner consistent with federal laws governing immigration and civil rights.”

Ga. L. 2011, p. 794, § 22/HB 87, not codified by the General Assembly, provides, in part, that the amendment of this Code section by that Act shall apply to offenses and violations occurring on or after July 1, 2011.

Law reviews.

For article surveying legislative and judicial developments in Georgia local government law for 1978-79, see 31 Mercer L. Rev. 155 (1979).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 35 (2011).

42-5-51.1. Retention of inmate in state penal institution pending trial on offense committed while in confinement.

1. When an inmate of the state penal system is charged with a misdemeanor or felony alleged to have been committed by such inmate within the confines of a state correctional institution and has been denied bond relating to such charge, the sheriff of the county in which such charge is pending may request that such inmate remain in the custody of the department after the sentence for which the department has jurisdiction over the inmate has been served and until adjudication of such charge. The commissioner, in consultation with the warden or superintendent of the institution where such inmate is housed, shall make a determination regarding the retention of custody and shall notify such sheriff of his or her determination within 36 hours of such request. In making such a determination, the commissioner shall consider the space available in the institution, the potential safety benefits of retaining such inmate, and any other factors he or she deems relevant for making such determination.
2. No request pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be considered by the commissioner unless the inmate is housed in an institution located in the county in which the offense is alleged to have occurred.
3. No inmate who remains in a state correctional institution pursuant to a request granted under subsection (a) of this Code section shall be transferred to a correctional institution located outside the county which made such request unless the commissioner determines such transfer is necessary for the inmate’s physical or mental health.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-51.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2020, p. 478, § 1/SB 301.

Effective date. —

This Code section became effective January 1, 2021.

42-5-52. Classification and separation of inmates generally; placement of juvenile offenders and of females; transfer of mentally diseased, alcoholic, drug addicted, or tubercular inmates.

1. The department shall provide for the classification and separation of inmates with respect to age, first offenders, habitual criminals and incorrigibles, diseased inmates, mentally diseased inmates, and those having contagious, infectious, and incurable diseases. Incorrigible inmates in county correctional institutions shall be returned to the department at the request of the proper county authority.
2. The department may establish separate correctional or similar institutions for the separation and care of juvenile offenders. The commissioner may transfer any juvenile under 17 years of age from the penal institution in which he or she is serving to the Department of Juvenile Justice, provided that the transfer is approved thereby. The juvenile may be returned to the custody of the commissioner when the commissioner of juvenile justice determines that the juvenile is unsuited to be dealt with therein. The commissioner may accept a juvenile for transfer into a penal institution upon the request of the commissioner of juvenile justice if such juvenile is 16 years of age or older and has been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a class A designated felony act or class B designated felony act, as defined by Code Section 15-11-2, and such juvenile’s behavior presents a substantial danger to any person at or within a Department of Juvenile Justice facility. In the event of such transfer, the department shall have the same authority over and responsibility for such juvenile as the Department of Juvenile Justice has for such juvenile and shall maintain sight and sound separation as set forth in paragraph (5) of subsection (c) of Code Section 15-11-504.
3. Female inmates shall be removed from proximity to the place of detention for males and shall not be confined in a county correctional institution or other county facility except with the express written approval of the department.
4. The department is authorized to transfer a mentally diseased inmate from a state or county correctional institution or other facility operating under its authority to a criminal ward or facility of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The inmate shall remain in the custody of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities until proper officials of the facility at which the inmate is detained declare that his or her sanity has been restored, at which time the inmate shall be returned to the custody of the department. At any time after completion of his or her sentence, an inmate detained by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities on the grounds that he or she is mentally diseased may petition for release in accordance with the procedure provided in Chapter 3 of Title 37. Prior to completion of his or her sentence, this procedure shall not be available to the inmate.
5. Upon being presented with a proper certification from the county physician of a county where a person has been sentenced to confinement that the person sentenced is addicted to drugs or alcohol to the extent that the person’s health will be impaired or life endangered if immediate treatment is not rendered, the department shall transfer the inmate to the custody of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The inmate shall remain in such custody until officials of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities determine the inmate is able to serve his or her sentence elsewhere.
6. The department may transfer any inmate afflicted with active tuberculosis from any state or county correctional institution, or any other facility operating under the authority of the department, to a tubercular ward or facility specially provided and maintained for criminals by the department at a tuberculosis facility or facilities operating under the Department of Public Health.

History. Ga. L. 1897, p. 71, § 8; Penal Code 1910, § 1203; Ga. L. 1931, Ex. Sess., p. 118, §§ 8, 9; Code 1933, §§ 77-317, 77-318, 77-319; Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 14; Ga. L. 1957, p. 477, § 2; Ga. L. 1960, p. 234, § 1; Ga. L. 1962, p. 699, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 94, § 42; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1983, § 21; Ga. L. 1997, p. 1453, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 3-23/HB 228; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, § 6-3/HB 214; Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 2-1/HB 242.

The 2013 amendment, effective January 1, 2014, in subsection (b), inserted “or she” in the second sentence, and added the fourth and fifth sentences. See editor’s note for applicability.

Cross references.

Commitment of juvenile to adult correctional facility prohibited, § 15-11-34 .

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 5-1/HB 242, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2014, and shall apply to all offenses which occur and juvenile proceedings commenced on and after such date. Any offense occurring before January 1, 2014, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior adjudication for the purpose of imposing a disposition that provides for a different penalty for subsequent adjudications, of whatever class, pursuant to this Act. The enactment of this Act shall not affect any prosecutions for acts occurring before January 1, 2014, and shall not act as an abatement of any such prosecutions.”

Law reviews.

For note, “Behind Closed Doors: An Empirical Inquiry Into the Nature of Prison Discipline in Georgia,” see 8 Ga. L. Rev. 919 (1974).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 147 (2011).

42-5-52.1. Submission to HIV test; separate housing for HIV infected persons.

1. Any term used in this Code section and defined in Code Section 31-22-9.1 shall have the meaning provided for that term in Code Section 31-22-9.1.
2. Where any person is committed to the custody of the commissioner to serve time in any penal institution of this state on and after July 1, 1988, the department shall require that person to submit to an HIV test within 30 days after the person is so committed unless that person is in such custody because of having committed an AIDS transmitting crime and has already submitted to an HIV test pursuant to Code Section 17-10-15.
3. No later than December 31, 1991, the department shall require to submit to an HIV test each person who has been committed to the custody of the commissioner to serve time in a penal institution of this state and who remains in such custody, or who would be in such custody but for having been transferred to the custody of the Department of Human Resources (now known as the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities) under Code Section 42-5-52, if that person has not submitted to an HIV test following that person’s most recent commitment to the custody of the commissioner and unless that person is in such custody because of having committed an AIDS transmitting crime and has already submitted to an HIV test pursuant to Code Section 17-10-15.
4. Upon failure of an inmate to cooperate in HIV test procedures under this Code section, the commissioner may apply to the superior court for an order authorizing the use of such measures as are reasonably necessary to require submission to the HIV test. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to limit the authority of the department to require inmates to submit to an HIV test.
5. Any person determined by the department to be an HIV infected person, whether or not by the test required by this Code section, should be housed separately at existing institutions from any other persons not infected with HIV if:
   1. That person is reasonably believed to be sexually active while incarcerated;
   2. That person is reasonably believed to be sexually predatory either during or prior to incarceration; or
   3. The commissioner determines that other conditions or circumstances exist indicating that separate confinement would be in the best interest of the department and the inmate population,

      but neither the department nor any officials, employees, or agents thereof shall be civilly or criminally liable for failing or refusing to house HIV infected persons separately from any other persons who are not HIV infected persons.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-52.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1799, § 9; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 3-24/HB 228.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1988, p. 1799, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “The General Assembly finds that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and its causative agent, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), pose a grave threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. In the absence of any effective vaccination or treatment for this disease, it threatens almost certain death to all who contract it. The disease is largely transmitted through sexual contacts and intravenous drug use, not through casual contact, and, while deadly, is therefore preventable. The key component of the fight against AIDS is education. Through public education and counseling our citizens can learn how the disease is transmitted and, thus, how to protect themselves and prevent its spread. The Department of Human Resources is encouraged to continue its efforts to educate all Georgians about the disease, its causative agent, and its means of transmission. In addition, voluntary testing should be encouraged for anyone who feels at risk of infection. While education, counseling, and voluntary testing are vital to the elimination of this epidemic, other measures are needed to protect the health of our citizens, and it is the intention of the General Assembly to enact such measures in the exercise of its police powers in order to deal with AIDS and HIV infection.”

42-5-52.2. Testing of prison inmates for HIV; consolidation of inmates testing positive.

1. For purposes of this Code section, “HIV” means HIV as defined by Code Section 31-22-9.1.
2. The department shall implement an HIV testing program whereby any state inmate who has been in the custody of a state penal institution for one year or longer and who has not previously tested positive for HIV shall be tested for HIV within 30 days prior to his or her expected date of release from the custody of the department.
3. Each person tested as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section shall be notified by the department in writing of the results of such testing prior to his or her release. Prior to the release of any person testing positive for HIV, the appropriate information as required by Code Sections 24-12-21 and 31-22-9.2 or other law shall be provided by the department to the Department of Public Health. Prior to the release of any person testing positive for HIV, the department shall also provide to such person in writing contact information regarding medical, educational, and counseling services available through the Department of Public Health. Any person testing positive for HIV shall be provided instruction relating to living with HIV, the prevention of the spread of such virus, and the legal consequences of infecting unknowing partners.
4. The department shall seek state and federal grants or other possible sources of revenue for the purpose of funding a program of HIV testing authorized by this Code section. In addition, the department is authorized to accept gifts, subject to the approval of the board, for the purpose of funding such program.
5. The department shall consolidate inmates who have tested positive for HIV in a manner that most efficiently provides education, counseling, and treatment for such persons.
6. The provisions of this Code section shall not be construed to limit the provision for HIV testing in Code Section 42-9-42.1.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-52.2 , enacted by Ga. L. 2009, p. 611, § 1/SB 64; Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 61/HB 24; Ga. L. 2011, p. 705, § 6-3/HB 214.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 101/HB 24, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Act shall apply to any motion made or hearing or trial commenced on or after January 1, 2013.

Law reviews.

For article, “Evidence,” see 27 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 1 (2011).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2011).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 147 (2011).

42-5-53. Establishment of county correctional institutions; supervision by department; quota of inmates; funding; confinement and withdrawal of inmates.

1. Subject to the provisions stated in this Code section, any county may purchase, rent, establish, construct, and maintain a county correctional institution for the care and detention of all inmates assigned to it by the department. The county may contract with other counties relative to the joint care, upkeep, and working of the inmates in such counties. Each county may pay its pro rata share of such expenses by taxes assessed and levied as provided by law.
2. All county correctional institutions established by the counties as provided in subsection (a) of this Code section shall be subject to supervision and control by the department, and the board shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the administration and operation thereof.
3. 1. Each county establishing a county correctional institution which complies with the rules and requirements established by the board and which is approved by the board shall receive a quota of inmates in accordance with such methods of apportionment as may be established by the board.
   2. The department is authorized, pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the board, to pay funds, in an amount appropriated by the General Assembly for the purposes specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection, for each state inmate assigned to a county correctional institution to the county operating the facility. The amount so paid shall be determined on the basis of an equal amount per day for each state inmate assigned to the county correctional institution.
   3. Each county is authorized to use the money paid to it pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection for the operation and maintenance of the county correctional institution or may use the money so paid to supplant county funds or previous levels of county funding for the county correctional institution. Following a full hearing, the board is given the authority to withhold payment or withdraw all inmates from any county correctional institution which does not at any time meet or comply with the rules, regulations, and requirements of the board or comply with its directions.
4. In all cases in which an inmate is the sole responsibility of a county and the board has no authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility with respect to the sentence of the inmate, the county may confine the inmate in a county correctional institution established pursuant to this Code section. Counties without a county correctional institution may contract with counties having a county correctional institution to maintain the inmate.
5. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the board from withdrawing inmates from any county correctional institution which does not at any time comply with the rules and regulations of the board promulgated pursuant to Code Section 42-5-10 or from withdrawing inmates from any county correctional institution which does not at any time meet the requirements of the board or comply with its directives. For reasons other than the failure to comply with the rules, regulations, requirements, and directives, the board is authorized to withdraw all inmates under its jurisdiction from all county correctional institutions under the following conditions:
   1. That such withdrawal shall include all inmates under the jurisdiction of the board assigned to all county correctional institutions and that the withdrawal shall be completed within one year after the effective date of the beginning of the withdrawal;
   2. That all county correctional institutions shall be notified at least one year in advance of the effective date of the beginning of the withdrawal;
   3. That each county affected by the withdrawal shall have the option of selling or leasing its county correctional institution to the department, provided the House Committee on State Properties and the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee shall certify to the department that the facility is suitable for inmate housing and provided, further, that the sale price of the facility or the lease rental payments for the facility shall be determined by a board of three appraisers selected as follows:
      1. One to be selected by the department;
      2. One to be selected by the governing authority of the county; and
      3. The third to be selected by the other two appraisers;
   4. That each county affected by the withdrawal shall have 30 days from the date of the issuance of the notice required by paragraph (2) of this subsection to notify the department that the facility is to be sold to the department, the facility is to be leased to the department, or the county will keep and maintain the facility for its own use. If the department is not so notified within the time limitation, the department shall be under no obligation to lease or purchase the facility;
   5. That if the county elects to sell or lease the facility, the committees named in paragraph (3) of this subsection shall have 60 days from the time the department is notified of such decision in which to inspect the facility and make its recommendations and certification to the department;
   6. That if any such facility is leased by the department, the term of the lease, the requirements relative to the repair, maintenance, and improvements of the facility by the county, and the requirements relative to the renewal of the lease shall be as agreed upon by the department and the governing authority of the county; and
   7. That the sales price or lease rental payments for each facility and the requirements relative to the lease contract when the facility is leased shall be determined within six months after the issuance of the notice of the effective date of the beginning of the withdrawal required by paragraph (2) of this subsection and that, if they are not determined within the time limitation, the department shall be under no obligation to lease or purchase the facility.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 16; Ga. L. 1964, p. 491, § 1; Ga. L. 1970, p. 318, § 1; Ga. L. 1975, p. 908, § 1; Ga. L. 1980, p. 470, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 94, § 42; Ga. L. 1995, p. 10, § 42; Ga. L. 2009, p. 303, § 3/HB 117; Ga. L. 2013, p. 141, § 42/HB 79.

The 2013 amendment, effective April 24, 2013, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted “House Committee on State Properties” for “State Institutions and Property Committee of the House of Representatives” in paragraph (e)(3).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2009, p. 303, § 20/HB 117, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act is intended to reflect the current internal organization of the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives and is not otherwise intended to change substantive law. In the event of a conflict with any other Act of the 2009 General Assembly, such other Act shall control over this Act.”

42-5-54. Information from inmates relating to medical insurance; provision and payment of medical treatment for inmates.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Detention facility” means a county correctional institution, workcamp, or other county detention facility used for the detention of persons convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.
   2. “Inmate” means a person who is detained in a detention facility by reason of being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor and who is insured under existing individual health insurance, group health insurance, or prepaid medical care coverage or is eligible for benefits under Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, the “Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977.” Such term does not include any sentenced inmate who is the responsibility of the Department of Corrections.
   3. “Officer in charge” means the warden, captain, or superintendent having the supervision of any detention facility.
2. The officer in charge or his or her designee may require an inmate to furnish the following information:
   1. The existence of any health insurance, group health plan, or prepaid medical care coverage under which the inmate is insured;
   2. The eligibility for benefits to which the inmate is entitled under Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, the “Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977”;
   3. The name and address of the third-party payor; and
   4. The policy or other identifying number.
3. The officer in charge will provide a sick, injured, or disabled inmate access to medical services and may arrange for the inmate’s health insurance carrier to pay the health care provider for the medical services rendered.
4. The liability for payment for medical care described under subsection (b) of this Code section may not be construed as requiring payment by any person or entity, except by an inmate personally or by his or her carrier through coverage or benefits described under paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of this Code section or by or at the direction of the Department of Community Health pursuant to paragraph (2) of such subsection.
5. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to relieve the governing authority, governmental unit, subdivision, or agency having the physical custody of an inmate from its responsibility to pay for any medical and hospital care rendered to such inmate regardless of whether such individual has been convicted of a crime.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-54 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1081, § 3; Ga. L. 1999, p. 296, § 24.

Editor’s notes.

This former Code section, relating to temporary transfer of convicted persons pending appeals, was based on Ga. L. 1971, p. 341, § 2, and was repealed by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1364, § 3 effective January 1, 1983.

Law reviews.

For review of 1996 legislation relating to jails, see 13 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 269 and 273 (1996).

42-5-55. Deductions from inmate accounts for payment of certain damages and medical costs; limit on deductions; fee for managing inmate accounts.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Chronic illness” means an illness requiring care and treatment over an extended period of time. Chronic illness includes, but is not limited to, hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary illness, a seizure disorder, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cancer, tuberculosis B, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and renal disease.
   2. “Detention facility” means a state, county, or private correctional institution, workcamp, or other state or county detention facility used for the detention of persons convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.
   3. “Inmate” means a person who is detained in a detention facility by reason of being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.
   4. “Medical treatment” means each visit initiated by the inmate to an institutional physician; physician’s extender, including a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; medical assistant; dentist; dental hygienist; optometrist; or psychiatrist for examination or treatment.
   5. “Officer in charge” means the warden, captain, or superintendent having the supervision of any detention facility.
2. The commissioner or, in the case of a county or private facility, the officer in charge may establish by rules or regulations criteria for a reasonable deduction from money credited to the account of an inmate to:
   1. Repay the costs of:
      1. Public property or private property in the case of an inmate housed in a private correctional facility willfully damaged or destroyed by the inmate during his or her incarceration;
      2. Medical treatment and prescription medication for injuries inflicted by the inmate upon himself or herself or others unless the inmate has a severe mental health designation as determined by the department;
      3. Searching for and apprehending the inmate when he or she escapes or attempts to escape; such costs to be limited to those extraordinary costs incurred as a consequence of the escape; or
      4. Quelling any riot or other disturbance in which the inmate is unlawfully involved; or
   2. Defray the costs paid by the state or county for:
      1. Medical treatment for an inmate when the request for medical treatment has been initiated by the inmate; and
      2. Medication prescribed for the treatment of a medical condition unrelated to pregnancy or a chronic illness.
3. The provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Code section shall in no way relieve the governmental unit, agency, or subdivision having physical custody of an inmate from furnishing him or her with needed medical treatment.
4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code section, the deductions from money credited to the account of an inmate as authorized under subsection (b) of this Code section shall not be made whenever the balance in the inmate’s account is $10.00 or less.
5. The officer in charge of any detention facility is authorized to charge a fee for establishing and managing inmate money accounts. Such fee shall not exceed $1.00 per month.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-55 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1081, § 3; Ga. L. 2003, p. 252, § 3; Ga. L. 2009, p. 136, § 1/HB 464; Ga. L. 2009, p. 859, § 3/HB 509.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1996, “; or” was added at the end of subparagraph (b)(1)(D).

Editor’s notes.

This former Code section, relating to temporary transfer of convicted persons pending appeals and requests by convicted person or his attorney for transfer, was based on Ga. L. 1971, p. 341, § 3, and Ga. L. 1974, p. 479, § 1. This former Code section was repealed by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1364, § 3, effective January 1, 1983.

42-5-56. Visitation with minors by convicted sexual offenders.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “sexual offense” means a violation of Code Section 16-6-1, relating to the offense of rape; Code Section 16-6-2, relating to the offenses of sodomy and aggravated sodomy; Code Section 16-6-5.1, relating to the offense of improper sexual contact by employee or agent, improper sexual contact by a foster parent, and improper sexual contact by person in a position of trust; Code Section 16-6-22, relating to the offense of incest; or Code Section 16-6-22.2, relating to the offense of aggravated sexual battery, when the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the commission of any such offense; or a violation of Code Section 16-6-3, relating to the offense of statutory rape; Code Section 16-6-4, relating to the offenses of child molestation and aggravated child molestation; or Code Section 16-6-5, relating to the offense of enticing a child for indecent purposes, when the victim was under 16 years of age at the time of the commission of any such offense.
2. Any inmate with a current or prior conviction for any sexual offense as defined in subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be allowed visitation with any person under the age of 18 years unless such person is the spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandson, or granddaughter of the inmate and such person is not the victim of a sexual offense for which the inmate was convicted. If visitation with a minor is restricted by court order, permission for special visitation with the minor may be granted only by the court issuing such order.

History. Code 1971, § 42-5-56 , enacted by Ga. L. 1999, p. 591, § 1; Ga. L. 2019, p. 912, § 6/SB 9; Ga. L. 2020, p. 245, § 3/HB 911; Ga. L. 2021, p. 516, § 5/SB 117.

The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, substituted “improper sexual contact by employee or agent” for “sexual assault against a person in custody” in the middle of subsection (a).

The 2020 amendment, effective January 1, 2021, inserted “and improper sexual contact by a foster parent” in the middle of subsection (a).

The 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, substituted “agent, improper sexual contact by a foster parent, and improper sexual contact by person in a position of trust” for “agent and improper sexual contact by a foster parent” in the middle of subsection (a).

Editor’s notes.

The former provisions of this Code section, concerning temporary transfer of convicted persons pending appeal and adoption of rules and regulations by the board, were based on Ga. L. 1971, p. 341, § 4, and were repealed by Ga. L. 1982, p. 1364, § 3, effective January 1, 1983.

Administrative rules and regulations.

Visitation, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Board of Corrections, Institutional and Center Operations, Chapter 125-3-4.

42-5-57. Institution of rehabilitation programs; provision of opportunities for educational, religious, and recreational activities.

1. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the Department of Education, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, or the several state, local, and federal agencies concerned therewith shall be authorized to institute a program of rehabilitation, which may include academic, industrial, mechanical, agricultural, and vocational training, within the confines of a penal institution.
2. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, shall be authorized to institute a program of rehabilitation which includes training following the Georgia Fire Academy curriculum within the confines of a penal institution.
3. The board, acting alone or in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, shall be authorized to institute a program of rehabilitation which includes training for emergency medical services personnel as such term is defined in Code Section 31-11-49 within the confines of a penal institution.
4. The department, in institutions under its control and supervision, shall give the inmates opportunity for reasonable educational, religious, and recreational activities where practicable.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 23; Ga. L. 1964, p. 734, § 1; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 4; Ga. L. 2021, p. 782, § 9/SB 46.

The 2021 amendment, effective May 10, 2021, added subsections (b) and (c), and redesignated former subsection (b) as present subsection (d).

42-5-58. Prohibition against corporal punishment; use of handcuffs, leg chains, and other restraints; permissible punishment generally.

1. Whipping of inmates and all forms of corporal punishment shall be prohibited. All shackles, manacles, picks, leg irons, and chains shall be barred from use as punishment by any penal institution operated under authority of the board. In transferring violent or potentially dangerous inmates within an institution or between facilities, handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, and waist belts may be utilized. Handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, and waist belts may also be used in securing violent or potentially dangerous inmates within an institution and in public and private areas such as hospitals and clinics; but in no event may handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, and waist belts be used as punishment; provided, however, if the accused becomes violent in the courtroom, restraints may be used.
2. The department shall restrict punishment for an infraction of correctional rules and regulations to isolation and restricted diet or to uniform standard humane punishment which the department may deem necessary for the control of inmates.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 15; Ga. L. 1983, p. 1806, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1989, p. 14, § 42.

Cross references.

Cruel and unusual punishment, U.S. Const., amend. 8 and Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. XVII.

Prohibition against whipping as punishment for crimes, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. XXI.

Penalty for assault by state officer under color of office or commission, § 45-11-3.

Law reviews.

For note, “Behind Closed Doors: An Empirical Inquiry Into the Nature of Prison Discipline in Georgia,” see 8 Ga. L. Rev. 919 (1974).

42-5-59. Employment of inmates in the local community.

1. The commissioner shall extend the limits of the place of confinement of an inmate, if there is reasonable cause to believe the inmate will honor his trust, by authorizing the inmate, under prescribed conditions, to work at paid employment or participate in a training program in the community on a voluntary basis while continuing as an inmate of the institution to which he is committed, provided that:
   1. Representatives of local union central bodies or similar labor union organizations are consulted;
   2. The paid employment will not result in the displacement of employed workers, be applied in skills, crafts, or trades in which there is a surplus of available gainful labor in the locality, or impair existing contracts for services; and
   3. The rates of pay and other conditions of employment will not be less than those paid or provided for work of a similar nature in the locality in which the work is to be performed.
2. An inmate authorized to work at paid employment in the community under subsection (a) of this Code section shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the board relative to the handling, disbursement, and holding in trust of all funds earned by the inmate while under the jurisdiction of the department. An amount determined to be the cost of the inmate’s keep and confinement shall be deducted from the earnings of each inmate, and such amount shall be deposited in the treasury of the department; provided, however, that, if the inmate is assigned to a county correctional institution, the deducted amount shall be deposited in the treasury of the county to which the inmate is assigned. After the deduction for keep and confinement, the commissioner shall:
   1. Allow the inmate to draw from the balance a reasonable sum to cover his incidental expenses;
   2. Retain to the inmate’s credit an amount as is deemed necessary to accumulate a reasonable sum to be paid to him on his release from the penal institution;
   3. Deduct from the inmate’s funds any amounts necessary to cover the costs of medical or dental attention provided to the inmate, said deductions to be made in accordance with policies and procedures promulgated by the commissioner; and
   4. Cause to be paid any additional balance as is needed for the support of the inmate’s dependents.
3. No inmate employed in the community under subsection (a) of this Code section shall be deemed to be an agent, employee, or involuntary servant of the department while working in the community or going to and from his employment.
4. The willful failure of an inmate to remain within the extended limits of his confinement or to return within the time prescribed to an institution designated by the commissioner shall be deemed an escape from a penal institution and shall be punishable by law.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 13; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 1; Ga. L. 1969, p. 602, § 1; Ga. L. 1971, p. 435, § 1; Ga. L. 1973, p. 1299, § 1; Ga. L. 1986, p. 1596, § 1; Ga. L. 1994, p. 97, § 42.

Law reviews.

For annual survey on workers’ compensation, see 61 Mercer L. Rev. 399 (2009).

42-5-60. Hiring out of inmates; participation of inmates in programs of volunteer service; sale of products produced by inmates; disposition of proceeds; payment to inmates for services.

1. 1. The board shall provide rules and regulations governing the hiring out of inmates by any penal institution under its authority to municipalities, cities, the Department of Transportation, and any other political subdivision, public authority, public corporation, agency, or state or local government, which entities are authorized by this subsection to contract for and receive the inmates. Such inmates shall not be hired out to private persons or corporations, nor shall any instrumentality of government authorized by this subsection to utilize penal labor use such labor in any business conducted for profit, except as provided in Code Section 42-5-59; provided, however, that:
      1. Inmate trainees enrolled in any vocational, technical, or educational training program authorized and supported by the department may repair or otherwise utilize any privately owned property or equipment as well as any other property or equipment in connection with the activities of any such training program, so long as the repair or utilization contributes to the inmate’s acquisition of any desired vocational, technical, or educational skills; and
      2. To the extent authorized by the rules and regulations of the board, inmates may be allowed to participate in programs of volunteer service as authorized by this subparagraph. The rules and regulations of the board shall prescribe criteria for nonprofit organizations eligible to receive volunteer services. Such criteria shall require that any participating nonprofit organization be qualified as exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and shall give consideration in determining eligibility to the nonprofit organization’s history of service activities and the length of time for which it has been in existence and providing such services. Any such volunteer service program shall include elements whereby the volunteer inmates provide services of benefit to the community while receiving training or work experience suitable for their rehabilitation. The board may authorize such voluntary inmate participation, notwithstanding the fact that the nonprofit organization may receive direct or indirect payment as a result of such inmate participation; notwithstanding the fact that the services rendered may provide some degree of benefit to private individuals or organizations or both; and notwithstanding the fact that some inmate participation may take place outside the confines of a penal institution.
   2. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subsection, any private person, organization, or corporation with whom the commissioner has contracted for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state prison or for any services related to the custody, care, and control of inmates as authorized by Code Section 42-2-8 may utilize penal labor in the same manner as any such labor may be utilized by any other penal institution operated under the authority of the board. Agreements made pursuant to Code Section 42-2-8 for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state prison or for any services related to the care, custody, and control of inmates shall factor the value of penal labor such that the state is the only financial beneficiary of the same.
2. No goods, wares, or merchandise which have been manufactured, produced, or mined, wholly or in part, by the inmates of any state or county correctional institution operated under the jurisdiction of the board shall be sold in this state to any private person, firm, association, or corporation, except that this prohibition shall not apply to:
   1. Sales to private colleges and universities;
   2. A sale to a private contractor of goods, wares, or merchandise for use in the completion of a publicly funded project; or
   3. Sales to privately owned correctional facilities that house inmates from the State of Georgia.

      Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to forbid the sale of such goods or merchandise to other political subdivisions, public authorities, municipalities, or agencies of the state or local governments to be consumed by them or to agencies of the state to be in turn sold by the agency to the public in the performance of the agency’s duties as required by law. This subsection does not prohibit the sale of unprocessed agricultural products produced on state property.

3. Funds arising from the sale of goods or other products manufactured or produced by any state correctional institution operated by the department shall be deposited with the treasury of the department. The funds arising from the sale of goods and products produced in a county correctional institution or from the hiring out of inmates shall be placed in the treasury or depository of the county, as the case may be. The department is authorized, pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the board, to pay compensation of not more than $25.00 per month from funds available to the department to each inmate employed in any industry.
4. Any superintendent, warden, guard, official, or other person who violates this Code section or any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, relating to the sale of goods or products manufactured or produced in a correctional institution or the hiring out of inmates, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
5. The department or any state correctional institution or county correctional institution operating under jurisdiction of the board shall be authorized to require inmates coming into its custody to labor on the public roads or public works or in such other manner as the board may deem advisable, including without limitation any labor authorized under Chapter 15A of Title 17. The department may also contract with municipalities, cities, counties, the Department of Transportation, or any other political subdivision, public authority, public corporation, or agency of state or local government created by law, which entities are authorized by this Code section to contract with the department, for the construction, repair, or maintenance of roads, bridges, public buildings, and any other public works by use of penal labor.
6. Any provision of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, any inmate of any state or county correctional institution operated under the jurisdiction of the board may sell goods, wares, and merchandise created by such inmate through the pursuit of a hobby or recreational activity. The proceeds from the sales shall be distributed to the particular inmate who created the goods, wares, or merchandise. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the sale of such goods, wares, and merchandise and the distribution of the proceeds from the sales. All goods, wares, and merchandise created by an inmate must be sold within the institution or on the institution grounds during visiting hours or when on off-duty assignments.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 22; Ga. L. 1957, p. 477, § 4; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1092, § 1; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, §§ 2, 3; Ga. L. 1971, p. 581, § 1; Ga. L. 1972, p. 577, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 651, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1992, p. 6, § 42; Ga. L. 1993, p. 629, § 1; Ga. L. 1997, p. 851, § 2; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1584, § 1; Ga. L. 2001, p. 1090, § 1; Ga. L. 2003, p. 252, § 4.

Cross references.

Hiring out of inmates for public road projects, §§ 32-4-42 , 32-4-91 .

Correctional Industries, T. 42, C. 10.

Use of inmate labor to abate hazard presented by abandoned well or hole, § 44-1-14 .

Law reviews.

For article commenting on the 1997 amendment of this Code section, see 14 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 230 (1997).

42-5-60.1. Utilization of inmates of county correctional institutions for work on outdoor assignments during inclement weather; supervision of inmates.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “inclement weather” means weather in which there is rain or in which the temperature is below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Inmates of a county correctional institution who are otherwise required to work on outdoor assignments shall work on such assignments notwithstanding inclement weather if employees of any governmental entity within the county in which the work is to be performed are performing outdoor work during such inclement weather and such work is similar in kind or in degree of exertion to that to be performed by the inmates.
3. Correctional officers and other supervisory personnel shall be available to supervise adequately those inmates performing outdoor work in inclement weather.

History. Ga. L. 1981, p. 1421, § 1.

42-5-61. Services and benefits to be furnished inmates discharged by department or county correctional institutions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, whenever an inmate is discharged upon pardon or completion of his sentence or is conditionally released or paroled from any place of detention to which he has been assigned under the authority of the department, the department shall provide the inmate the following:
   1. Transportation to the inmate’s home within the United States or to a place chosen by the inmate and authorized by regulations of the board;
   2. An amount of money of not less than $25.00 and not more than $150.00, as determined according to regulations of the board; and
   3. A travel kit, when appropriate, and suitable clothing, each as provided by regulation of the board.
2. Whenever an inmate assigned to a county correctional institution by the department is discharged upon pardon or completion of his sentence or is conditionally released or paroled, the county shall provide the inmate the release benefits to which he is eligible under this Code section, and the department shall reimburse the county.
3. An inmate whose limits of confinement have been extended to allow him to participate in a work-release program of paid employment shall receive the benefits provided by this Code section only to the extent of financial need, as determined pursuant to regulations of the board.
4. An inmate convicted of an offense which is less than a felony shall receive the amount of $25.00 or less as determined under regulations of the board and transportation as provided in this Code section.
5. The department shall administer these benefits through regulations which are based upon the knowledge and skill of the board in aiding an inmate to make the initial adjustment to his release.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 21; Ga. L. 1969, p. 600, § 1; Ga. L. 1972, p. 602, § 1; Ga. L. 1973, p. 542, § 1.

42-5-62. Forfeiture of contraband.

The possession by an inmate on his person or in his cell, immediate sleeping area, locker, or immediate place of work or assignment of any form of securities, bonds, coins, currency, or legal tender, unless expressly and specifically authorized by the individual institution concerned, shall constitute contraband and be subject to forfeiture. With respect to state correctional institutions, all such securities, bonds, coins, currency, or legal tender shall vest in the state and shall be paid into the state treasury. With respect to county correctional institutions, all such currency and other items shall vest in the county and shall be paid into the county treasury.

History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 1095, § 1.

42-5-63. Unauthorized possession of weapon by inmate.

1. Every person confined in a penal institution or confined in any other facility under the jurisdiction of or subject to the authority of the board or who, while being conveyed to or from any facility, or while at any other location under such jurisdiction or authority, or while being conveyed to or from any such place, or while under the custody of officials, officers, or employees subject to such jurisdiction or authority, who, without authorization of the appropriate authorities, possesses or carries upon his person or has under his custody or control any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, sandclub, sandbag, or knuckles whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material; or any pistol, revolver, or other firearm; or any explosive substance; or any dirk, dagger, switchblade, gravity knife, razor, or any other sharp instrument which is capable of such use as may endanger the safety or security of any of the facilities described in this subsection or of any person therein shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than one nor more than five years.
2. A person is deemed “confined in a penal institution” if he is confined in any of the penal institutions specified in subsection (a) of this Code section by order made pursuant to law, regardless of the purpose of the confinement and regardless of the validity of the order directing the confinement, until a judgment of a competent court setting aside the order becomes final so as to entitle the person to his immediate release.
3. A person is deemed “confined in” a penal institution even if, at the time of the offense, he is temporarily outside its walls or bounds for the purpose of confinement in a local place of confinement pending trial or for any other purpose for which an inmate may be allowed temporarily outside the walls or bounds of a penal institution; but an inmate who has been released on parole is not deemed “confined in” a penal institution for purposes of this Code section.

History. Ga. L. 1973, p. 555, § 1; Ga. L. 1989, p. 14, § 42; Ga. L. 2008, p. 533, § 3/SB 366.

Cross references.

Penalty for possession of firearms by convicted felons, § 16-11-131 .

42-5-64. Educational programming.

1. The commissioner shall maintain an educational program within the state prison system to assist inmates in achieving at least a fifth-grade level on standardized reading tests. Inmates who test below the fifth-grade level and who have been sentenced to incarceration for a period of one year or longer shall be required by institutional staff to attend appropriate classes until they attain this level or until they are released from incarceration, whichever event occurs first; provided, however, that inmates who have remained in the educational program for 90 school days may voluntarily withdraw thereafter. The commissioner or his designee shall have the discretion to exclude certain inmates from the provisions of this subsection due to the inability of such inmates to benefit from an educational program for reasons which may include: custody status, particularly of those inmates under a death sentence; mental handicap or physical illness; participation in a boot camp program; or possession of a general education diploma or high school diploma. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles shall incorporate satisfactory participation in such an educational program into the parole guidelines adopted pursuant to Code Section 42-9-40.
2. For the purposes of this Code section, educational programming shall not apply to inmates who:
   1. Have been sentenced to death;
   2. Have attained 50 years of age; or
   3. Have serious learning disabilities.
3. The commissioner shall provide additional educational programs in which inmates can voluntarily participate to further their education beyond the fifth-grade level.
4. The commissioner shall utilize available services and programs within the Department of Education, and the Department of Education shall cooperate with the commissioner in the establishment of educational programs and the testing of inmates as required in this Code section.
5. The commissioner shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code section.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-64 , enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 1596, § 2; Ga. L. 1992, p. 3219, § 1.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1986, “programming” was substituted for “programing” in subsection (b).

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1992, in subsection (a) as amended by Ga. L. 1992, p. 3219, § 1, “Paroles” was substituted for “Parole” in the fourth sentence of subsection (a).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1992, p. 3219, § 2, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective only when funds are specifically appropriated for purposes of this Act in an appropriations Act making specific reference to this Act. This Act shall apply to those inmates sentenced to the Department of Corrections after its effective date.” Funds were appropriated by the General Assembly at the 1993 session.

42-5-65. Victim photographs prohibited; exception.

1. For purposes of this Code section, the term “inmate” means any person confined in a penal institution or confined in another facility under the jurisdiction of or subject to the authority of the board or while under the custody of officials, officers, or employees under the authority of the board.
2. An inmate who is serving a sentence for a violation of Chapter 5 of Title 16 relating to crimes against the person shall be prohibited from possessing or carrying about his or her person or maintaining in any prison cell or similar area under his or her control any photograph, picture, or similar depiction of any victim of the offense for which he or she is serving where such photograph, picture, or depiction was a part of the criminal investigation, prosecution, or evidence leading to the inmate’s conviction.
3. An inmate who is serving a sentence for a violation of Chapter 6 of Title 16 relating to sexual offenses shall be prohibited from possessing or carrying about his or her person or maintaining in any prison cell or similar area under his or her control any photograph, picture, or similar depiction of any victim of the offense for which he or she is serving.
4. A person acting in violation of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
5. This Code section shall not apply where the photograph or picture is needed for use in any civil or criminal proceeding provided that the inmate receives permission by a court having jurisdiction over the proceeding and only for so long as and in such manner as directed by court order.
6. Nothing in this Code section shall limit further restrictions or limitations on the possession of contraband or victim photographs by persons confined or under the custody of the board as deemed appropriate by the board.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-65 , enacted by Ga. L. 2007, p. 169, § 1/SB 34; enacted by Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 2/HB 313.

Code Commission notes.

The enactment of this Code section by Ga. L. 2007, p. 169, § 1, irreconcilably conflicted with and was treated as superseded by Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 2. See County of Butts v. Strahan, 151 Ga. 417 (1921).

42-5-80. Authorization and general procedure for granting special leave.

Whenever recommended by the warden or superintendent of any penal institution in which inmates committed to the custody of the commissioner have been assigned, the commissioner may grant special leave to an inmate to leave the institution in which he is incarcerated for participation in special community or other meritorious programs or activities deemed beneficial to the inmate and not detrimental to the public. The activity must be such as, in the opinion of the warden or superintendent and the commissioner, will contribute to the rehabilitation process of the inmate involved. In order to be considered for this special leave, the inmate shall be eligible solely upon the concurrence of the warden or superintendent and the commissioner that positive attitudinal and growth patterns are being established. Under no condition shall any inmate be permitted to leave the state under this Code section. This Code section shall not apply to convicted sex offenders.

History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 342, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1972, p. 579, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1975, p. 898, § 1.

42-5-81. Issuance of special leave; filing.

All special leaves must be issued in writing, must set a determinate period of duration, and must be signed by both the warden or superintendent and by the commissioner; this authority may not be delegated except as provided in Code Section 42-5-84. All such writings must be kept on file in the office of the commissioner.

History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 342, § 2; Ga. L. 1972, p. 579, § 2.

42-5-82. Purposes for which special leave may be granted.

A special leave may be granted for the purpose of:

1. Attending educational programs;
2. Improving job skills;
3. Attending trade licensing examinations;
4. Being interviewed for employment;
5. Participating in drug abuse, delinquency, or crime prevention programs;
6. Participating as a volunteer for a nonprofit organization or governmental agency in an activity serving the general public; or
7. For any purpose which the department deems beneficial to both the inmate and the public.

History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 342, § 3; Ga. L. 1972, p. 579, § 3.

42-5-83. Emergency leaves.

The warden or superintendent of any penal institution in which inmates committed to the custody of the commissioner have been assigned may authorize, without the prior written approval of the commissioner, emergency leave to an inmate when it is confirmed that there exists a serious illness or death in the inmate’s immediate family and when notice and confirmation of the illness or death does not reach the warden or superintendent in time to authorize special leave in the manner provided in Code Section 42-5-81. Emergency leave cannot be granted under this Code section to any inmate who has been convicted of a sex offense, who has escaped or attempted to escape within 12 months preceding the emergency, who has not served sufficient time to demonstrate his responsibility and dependability, or who has an assaultive pattern determined to exist either from the nature of the offense for which he has been convicted or from conduct while incarcerated in the penal institution. The warden or superintendent granting the emergency leave must forward immediately a written report of the action to the commissioner.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 898, § 2.

42-5-84. Delegation of authority to issue limited leave privileges; records.

The commissioner may delegate to any warden or superintendent of any penal institution in which inmates committed to his custody have been assigned the authority to issue limited privileges to leave the confines of the institution, not to exceed 12 hours and not to extend beyond daylight hours, to any inmate for whom the commissioner has extended, under the authority of Code Section 42-5-59, the limits of the inmate’s place of confinement. The limited privileges authorized in this Code section may only be granted to accomplish the purposes enumerated in Code Section 42-5-82. The warden or superintendent granting privileges under this Code section must maintain detailed records of passes authorized by this Code section.

History. Ga. L. 1975, p. 910, § 1.

42-5-85. Leave privileges of inmates serving murder sentences.

1. As used in this Code section, the term:
   1. “Aggravating circumstance” means that:
      1. The murder was committed by a person with a prior record of conviction for a capital felony;
      2. The murder was committed while the offender was engaged in the commission of another capital felony, aggravated battery, burglary in any degree, or arson in the first degree;
      3. The offender, by his or her act of murder, knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person in a public place by means of a weapon or device which would normally be hazardous to the lives of more than one person;
      4. The offender committed the murder for himself, herself, or another, for the purpose of receiving money or any other thing of monetary value;
      5. The murder of a judicial officer, former judicial officer, district attorney or solicitor-general, or former district attorney, solicitor, or solicitor-general was committed during or because of the exercise of his or her official duties;
      6. The offender caused or directed another to commit murder or committed murder as an agent or employee of another person;
      7. The murder was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman in that it involved torture, depravity of mind, or an aggravated battery to the victim;
      8. The murder was committed against any peace officer, corrections employee, or firefighter while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties;
      9. The murder was committed by a person in, or who has escaped from, the lawful custody of a peace officer or place of lawful confinement; or
      10. The murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest or custody in a place of lawful confinement of himself, herself, or another.
   2. “Murder” means a violation of Code Section 16-5-1.
2. No special leave, emergency leave, or limited leave privileges shall be granted to any inmate who is serving a murder sentence unless the commissioner has approved in writing a written finding by the department that the murder did not involve any aggravating circumstance.
3. The department shall make a finding that a murder did not involve an aggravating circumstance only after an independent review of the record of the trial resulting in the conviction or of the facts upon which the conviction was based.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-85 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1806, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1996, p. 748, § 22; Ga. L. 2002, p. 660, § 4; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1259, § 11; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 8-15/HB 1176; Ga. L. 2014, p. 444, § 2-11/HB 271.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, inserted “in any degree” in paragraph (a)(2). See editor’s note for applicability.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, substituted the present provisions of subsection (a) for the former provisions, which read: “As used in this Code section only, the term ‘aggravating circumstance’ means that:”; redesignated former paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(10) as present subparagraphs (a)(1)(A) through (a)(1)(J), respectively; inserted “or her” in subparagraphs (a)(1)(C) and (a)(1)(H); inserted “, herself,” in subparagraphs (a)(1)(D) and (a)(1)(J); and added paragraph (a)(2).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1996, p. 748, § 27, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an Act approved February 11, 1854 (Ga. L. 1854, p. 281), which abolished the office of solicitor of the City Court of Savannah, now the State Court of Chatham County, and transferred responsibility for the prosecution of criminal cases in said court to the solicitor general (now the district attorney) for the Eastern Judicial Circuit is confirmed. It shall be the duty of said district attorney to prosecute all criminal actions in said state court until otherwise specifically provided by law.”

Ga. L. 1996, p. 748, § 28, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “The provisions of this Act shall not affect the powers, duties, or responsibilities of the district attorney as successor to the office of solicitor general under the constitution, statutes, and common law of this state as provided by Code Section 15-18-1.”

Ga. L. 1996, p. 748, § 29, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “Except as otherwise authorized in this Act, on and after July 1, 1996, any reference in general law or in any local Act to the solicitor of a state court shall mean and shall be deemed to mean the solicitor-general of such state court.”

Ga. L. 1996, p. 748, § 30, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “The provisions of paragraph (3) of Code Section 15-18-62, relating to the qualifications for the office of solicitor-general of a state court, shall apply to any person elected or appointed to such office after July 1, 1996. Any person holding such office on July 1, 1996, may continue to hold such office for the remainder of the term to which such person was elected or appointed notwithstanding the fact that such person has not been a member of the State Bar of Georgia for three years if such person is otherwise qualified to hold the office of solicitor-general.”

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

42-5-100. Termination of board’s power to award earned-time allowances.

The earned-time allowances, which could have been awarded by the board to inmates based upon the performance of the inmate, in effect on December 31, 1983, shall not apply to:

1. Those persons who commit crimes on or after January 1, 1984, and who are subsequently convicted and sentenced to the custody of the board;
2. Those persons who have committed a crime prior to January 1, 1984, but who have not been convicted and sentenced as of December 31, 1983, and who are subsequently sentenced to the custody of the board, including those whose sentences have been probated or suspended, on or after January 1, 1984; however, such persons shall receive the full benefit of the earned-time allowances, in effect on December 31, 1983, and shall receive a release or discharge date computed as if they had been sentenced to the custody of the board, prior to December 31, 1983; or
3. Those persons previously sentenced to the custody of the board, including those whose sentences have been probated or suspended, as of December 31, 1983; however, such persons shall receive the full benefit of the earned-time allowances in effect on December 31, 1983, and shall receive a release or discharge date the same as reflected in the records of such person on December 31, 1983, less any creditable earned time that such person could have earned as a result of forfeited earned time.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-100 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1340, § 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42.

Cross references.

Earned time allowance for persons sentenced for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, § 17-10-4 .

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1983, p. 1340, § 2, repealed former Code Section 42-5-100, pertaining to the enumeration of powers of the board regarding granting of earned-time allowances, and enacted the present Code section. The former Code section was based on Ga. L. 1976, p. 949, § 2; Ga. L. 1978, p. 985, §§ 2-4; and Ga. L. 1980, p. 2002, § 1.

Law reviews.

For note, “Behind Closed Doors: An Empirical Inquiry Into the Nature of Prison Discipline in Georgia,” see 8 Ga. L. Rev. 919 (1974).

42-5-101. Work incentive credits.

1. The Department of Corrections is authorized to devise and to provide by agency rule a system of work incentive credits which may be awarded by the department to persons committed to its custody for any felony prison term other than life imprisonment.
2. Work incentive credits may be awarded by the department to recognize inmates’ institutional attainments in academic or vocational education, satisfactory performance of work assignments made by the penal institution, and compliance with satisfactory behavior standards established by the department.
3. The department may award up to one day of work incentive credits for each day during which the subject inmate has participated in approved educational or other counseling programs, has satisfactorily performed work tasks assigned by the penal institution, and has complied with satisfactory behavior standards established by the department.
4. Any work incentive credits awarded an inmate by the department shall be reported by the department to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles which shall consider such credits when making a final parole release decision regarding the subject inmate.  The department is authorized to recommend the board apply the work incentive credits to advance any tentative parole release date already established for the subject inmate.
5. The department also shall report to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles the cases of inmates who decline or refuse to participate in work, educational, or counseling programs, who fail to comply with satisfactory behavior standards, and who therefore refuse to earn work incentive credits.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-101 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 3221, § 3.

Editor’s notes.

Former Code Section 42-5-101, pertaining to the applicability of Code Section 42-5-100 to persons sentenced prior to July 1, 1976, was based on Ga. L. 1956, p. 161, § 24; Ga. L. 1961, p. 127, § 1; Ga. L. 1964, p. 495, § 1; Ga. L. 1968, p. 1399, § 6; Ga. L. 1976, p. 949, § 1; and Ga. L. 1978, p. 985, § 1, and was repealed by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1340, § 2, effective January 1, 1984.

42-5-120. Rules and regulations; requirements.

1. The board is authorized to issue and promulgate rules and regulations for programs of voluntary labor by inmates for privately owned profit-making employers to produce goods, services, or goods and services for sale to public and private purchasers. Such rules and regulations shall be designed to meet the published requirements of the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program authorized by 18 U.S.C. Section 1761 and federal regulations and to provide other appropriate conditions and limitations. Such rules and regulations may provide for administration and management of such work programs by the department and the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration.
2. The rules and regulations for the work programs authorized by this article shall include but not be limited to rules requiring:
   1. Assurance that inmates’ work is voluntary and that there shall be no retribution against inmates who do not volunteer;
   2. Payment of inmates at wages at a rate not less than that paid for work of a similar nature in the locality in which the work is to be performed;
   3. Provision of federal and state governmental benefits to participating inmates comparable to governmental benefits provided for similarly situated private sector employees;
   4. Selection of participating inmates with careful attention to security issues;
   5. Appropriate supervision of inmates during travel and employment outside the correctional institution;
   6. Assurance that inmate labor will not result in the displacement of employed workers; be applied in skills, crafts, or trades in which there is a surplus of available gainful labor in the locality; or impair existing contracts for services;
   7. Consultations with local private businesses that may be economically impacted;
   8. Consultations with local labor union organizations and other local employee groups, especially those who have an interest in the trade or skill to be performed by the inmates; and
   9. Procedures for deductions from inmate wages for federal, state, and local taxes; reasonable charges for room and board; court-ordered child support and voluntary family support; and payments to the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund of not less than 5 percent nor greater than 20 percent of gross wages, in compliance with Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program requirements.

   (b.1) Regulations relating to paragraphs (2) and (6) of subsection (b) of this Code section and relating to whether labor shortages exist shall be promulgated and issued jointly by the board and the Commissioner of Labor.

3. Notwithstanding the provision of Code Section 50-13-2 exempting the Board of Corrections from the definition of the term “agency” and thus from the provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act,” the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance with this Code section shall be subject to the provisions of Code Section 50-13-4, relating to procedural requirements for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of rules; the limitation on an action to contest rules; and legislative override of rules to which the members of the General Assembly object.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-120 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58; Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 3/HB 313.

Administrative rules and regulations.

Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP) Rules of General Applicability, Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, Georgia Department of Labor, Employment Services Division, Chapter 300-9-1.

42-5-121. Federal certification.

The commissioner shall seek certification under the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program authorized by 18 U.S.C. Section 1761 and federal regulations for programs of voluntary labor by inmates for privately owned profit-making employers to produce goods, services, or goods and services for sale to public or private purchasers. After receiving certification, the board shall operate one or more such programs.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-121 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58.

42-5-122. Conflicting legislation preempted.

Any program for voluntary labor by inmates created in accordance with this article shall not be subject to the provisions of Code Section 42-5-60 prohibiting hiring out inmates to private persons, corporations, and businesses conducted for profit; prohibiting sale of goods, wares, or merchandise manufactured, produced, or mined by inmates to private persons, firms, associations, and corporations; and limiting the amount of compensation for inmates.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-122 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58.

42-5-123. Compensation by employers for administrative and other costs to the state.

1. The board shall ensure by rules or by contractual provisions that the privately owned profit-making employers compensate the department and the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration for any administrative costs or other costs incurred by the department or the administration for the operation of the program or programs. The board shall ensure by rules or by contractual provisions that the department and the administration are compensated for use of any employees of the department or the administration, use of any space owned by or under the control of the department or the administration, or use of any other resources of the department or the administration in the operation of the program or programs.
2. Employers that participate in inmate work programs under this article shall be prohibited from providing any thing of value to the Board of Corrections, the Department of Corrections, the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration, or any officer or employee thereof other than the payments authorized by this Code section. The Board of Corrections, the Department of Corrections, the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration, and any officer or employee thereof shall be prohibited from accepting any thing of value, other than the payments authorized by this Code section, from employers that participate in inmate work programs under this article. As used in this Code section, the term “thing of value” shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in Code Section 16-10-2.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-123 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58; Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 4/HB 313.

42-5-124. Publicizing and inviting participation in programs; cooperation with the Department of Labor.

Following the issuance and promulgation of rules and regulations, the department and the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration are authorized to publicize the program and invite employers to participate. The department shall rely upon the Georgia Department of Labor for determining whether inmates would be displacing other workers, whether labor shortages exist, and the prevailing local wage for work to be done by inmates. The Georgia Department of Labor is authorized to provide such determinations to the department.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-124 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58; Ga. L. 2007, p. 224, § 5/HB 313.

42-5-125. General applicability; exceptions.

1. Every program involving employment of an inmate, convict, or prisoner by a business operated for profit to manufacture, produce, or mine goods, wares, or merchandise for transportation in interstate commerce or to provide services shall become a part of the programs authorized by this article and shall conform to the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance with this article.
2. This Code section shall not apply to programs for the production of agricultural commodities, parts for the repair of farm machinery, or goods, wares, or merchandise manufactured for use by not for profit organizations, the federal government, the District of Columbia, or by any state or political subdivision of a state.
3. This Code section shall not apply to an inmate, convict, or prisoner serving a term of supervised release, as described in 18 U.S.C. Section 3583.

History. Code 1981, § 42-5-125 , enacted by Ga. L. 2005, p. 1222, § 4/HB 58.

42-6-1. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of corrections.
2. “Department” means the Department of Corrections.
3. “Detainer” means a written instrument executed by the prosecuting officer of a court and filed with the department requesting that the department retain custody of an inmate pending delivery of the inmate to the proper authorities to stand trial upon a pending indictment or accusation, or to await final disposition of all appeals and other motions which are pending on any outstanding sentence, and to which is attached a copy of the indictment, accusation, or conviction which constitutes the basis of the request. The request shall contain a statement that the prosecuting officer desires and intends to bring the inmate to trial upon the pending indictment or accusation, and in the case of an outstanding sentence, that he intends to seek final disposition of all appeals and other motions.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1373, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

42-6-2. When detainers to be accepted and filed by department.

The department shall accept and file only those detainers which meet the requirements of this article and which are filed in accordance with this article; provided, however, this article shall not apply to detainers filed by the authorities of the United States government or of any of the other several states or of any foreign state.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1.

42-6-3. Time limit for trial; notice and request for final disposition; notification of inmate and interested parties; effect of escape by inmate.

1. Whenever a person has entered upon a term of imprisonment in a penal institution under the jurisdiction of the department and whenever during the continuance of the term of imprisonment there is pending in any court in this state any untried indictment or accusation on the basis of which a detainer has been filed against such an inmate, he shall be brought to trial within two terms of court after he has caused to be delivered to the prosecuting officer and the clerk of the appropriate court of the prosecuting officer’s jurisdiction written notice of the place of his imprisonment and his request that a final disposition be made of the indictment or accusation; provided, however, that, for good cause shown in open court, the inmate or his counsel being present, the court having jurisdiction of the matter may grant any necessary or reasonable continuance. The request of the inmate shall be accompanied by a certificate of the department stating the term of commitment under which the inmate is being held, the computed expiration date of the commitment, and the time of parole eligibility of the inmate.
2. The written notice and request for final disposition referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section shall be given or sent by the inmate to the commissioner who shall promptly forward it, together with the certificate referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section, to the appropriate prosecuting officer and court by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery.
3. Within 15 days, the warden, superintendent, or other official having physical custody of the inmate shall inform him of the source and furnish him with a copy of the contents of any detainer filed against him and shall also inform him of his right to make a request for a final disposition of the indictment or accusation upon which the detainer is based.
4. Any request for final disposition of a pending indictment or accusation made by an inmate pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall operate as a request for final disposition of all untried indictments or accusations on the basis of which detainers have been filed against the inmate from the county to whose prosecuting official the request for a final disposition is specifically directed. The commissioner shall promptly notify all interested prosecuting officers and courts in the several jurisdictions within the county to which the inmate’s request for final disposition is being sent of the proceeding being initiated by the inmate. Notification sent pursuant to this subsection shall be accompanied by copies of the inmate’s written notice and request and by the certificate. If trial is not had on any indictment or accusation upon which a detainer has been based within two terms of court after the receipt by the appropriate prosecuting officers and court of the inmate’s request for final disposition, provided no continuance has been granted, all detainers based upon such pending indictments or accusations shall be stricken and dismissed from the records of the department.
5. Escape from custody by an inmate subsequent to his execution of the request for a final disposition of any pending indictment or accusation shall automatically void the request for final disposition and the same shall be stricken and dismissed from the records of the department.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1589, § 3.

Cross references.

Demand for trial generally, § 17-7-170 et seq.

42-6-4. Effect of failure to meet time limit for trial after delivery of inmate pursuant to Code Section 24-13-60.

If an inmate is not brought to trial upon a pending indictment or accusation within two terms of court after delivery of the inmate to the sheriff or a deputy sheriff pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section 24-13-60, provided no continuance has been granted, all detainers based upon the pending indictments or accusations shall be stricken and dismissed from the records of the department.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1; Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 62/HB 24.

Cross references.

Demand for trial generally, § 17-7-170 et seq.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 101/HB 24, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Act shall apply to any motion made or hearing or trial commenced on or after January 1, 2013.

Law reviews.

For article, “Evidence,” see 27 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 1 (2011).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2011).

42-6-5. Temporary custody of inmate requesting disposition of pending indictment or accusation.

1. In response to the request of an inmate for final disposition of any pending indictment or accusation made pursuant to Code Section 42-6-3 or pursuant to an order of a court entered pursuant to subsection (a) of Code Section 24-13-60, the department shall offer to deliver temporary custody of the inmate to the sheriff or a deputy sheriff of the county in which the indictment or accusation is pending against the inmate. The judge of the court in which the proceedings are pending is authorized to and shall issue an ex parte order directed to the department requiring the delivery of the inmate to the sheriff or a deputy sheriff of the county in which the trial is to be held.
2. The sheriff or a deputy sheriff of a county accepting temporary custody of an inmate shall present proper identification and a certified copy of the indictment or accusation upon which trial is to be had.
3. If the sheriff or deputy sheriff fails or refuses to accept temporary custody of the inmate, detainers based upon indictments or accusations upon which trial has been sought shall be stricken and dismissed from the records of the department.
4. The temporary custody referred to in this article shall be only for the purpose of permitting prosecution on the pending indictments or accusations which form the basis of the detainer or detainers filed against the inmate.
5. At the earliest practicable time consonant with the purposes of this article, the inmate shall be returned by the sheriff or a deputy sheriff to the custody of the department.
6. During the continuance of temporary custody or while the inmate is otherwise being made available for trial as required by this article, the sentence being served by the inmate shall continue to run and good time shall be earned by the inmate to the same extent that the law allows for any other inmate serving under the jurisdiction of the department.
7. From the time that the sheriff or a deputy sheriff receives custody of an inmate pursuant to this article and until the inmate is returned to the physical custody of the department, the county to which the inmate is transported shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the inmate and shall pay all costs of transporting, caring for, keeping, and returning the inmate. Any habeas corpus action instituted by the inmate while in the custody of the sheriff shall be defended by the county attorney and the expenses of such litigation shall be paid by the county.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1; Ga. L. 1969, p. 606, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 42; Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 63/HB 24.

Cross references.

Demand for trial generally, § 17-7-170 et seq.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2011, p. 99, § 101/HB 24, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Act shall apply to any motion made or hearing or trial commenced on or after January 1, 2013.

Law reviews.

For article, “Evidence,” see 27 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 1 (2011).

For article on the 2011 amendment of this Code section, see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2011).

42-6-6. Applicability of article to mentally ill persons.

This article shall not apply to any person who has been adjudged to be mentally ill.

History. Ga. L. 1968, p. 1110, § 1.

Cross references.

Examination, treatment, hospitalization of mentally ill persons generally, T. 37, C. 3.

42-6-20. Enactment and text of agreement.

The Agreement on Detainers is enacted into law and entered into by this State with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:

The contracting states solemnly agree that:

42-6-21. Meaning of phrase “appropriate court.”

The phrase “appropriate court,” as used in the Agreement on Detainers with reference to the courts of this state, means the superior courts of this state.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 938, § 2.

42-6-22. Enforcement of agreement; cooperation with other states.

All courts, departments, agencies, officers, and employees of this state and its political subdivisions are directed to enforce the Agreement on Detainers and to cooperate with one another and with other party states in enforcing the agreement and effectuating its purpose.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 938, § 3.

42-6-23. Appointment of central administrator and information agent.

The commissioner of corrections shall appoint a person to serve as central administrator of and information agent for the Agreement on Detainers pursuant to Article VII of the agreement.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 938, § 6; Ga. L. 1979, p. 652, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

42-6-24. Delivery of inmate mandatory when required by operation of agreement.

It shall be lawful and mandatory upon the warden, superintendent, or other official in charge of a penal institution in this state to give over the person of any inmate thereof whenever so required by the operation of the Agreement on Detainers.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 938, § 5; Ga. L. 1974, p. 390, § 1.

42-6-25. Escape by person in custody under agreement.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to escape from custody while in another state pursuant to the Agreement on Detainers.
2. A violation of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be punishable by confinement for not less than one nor more than five years.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 938, § 4.

42-7-1. Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Georgia Youthful Offender Act of 1972.”

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 592, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

1. “Board” means the Board of Corrections.
2. “Commissioner” means the commissioner of corrections.
3. “Conviction” means a judgment on a verdict or finding of guilty, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere in a felony case but excludes all judgments upon criminal offenses for which the maximum punishment provided by law is death or life imprisonment.
4. “Court” means any court of competent jurisdiction other than a juvenile court.
5. “Department” means the Department of Corrections.
6. “Treatment” means corrective and preventative incarceration, guidance, and training designed to protect the public by correcting the antisocial tendencies of youthful offenders, which may include but is not limited to vocational, educational, and other training deemed fit and necessary by the department.
7. “Youthful offender” means any male offender who is at least 17 but less than 25 years of age at the time of conviction and who in the opinion of the department has the potential and desire for rehabilitation.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 592, § 2; Ga. L. 1973, p. 581, § 1; Ga. L. 1975, p. 900, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1985, following the passage of Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, “Corrections” was substituted for “Offender Rehabilitation” and “corrections” was substituted for “offender rehabilitation”.

42-7-3. Providing institutions and facilities.

1. Youthful offenders shall undergo treatment in secure institutions, including training schools, hospitals, farms, and forestry and other camps and including vocational training facilities and other institutions and agencies that will provide the essential varieties of treatment.
2. The commissioner may, to the extent necessary, set aside such facilities described in subsection (a) of this Code section as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
3. To the extent possible, such institutions and facilities shall be used only for treatment of youthful offenders who have the potential and desire for rehabilitation as provided in this chapter.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-3 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-4. Studies and diagnoses; placement of youthful offender by department.

1. The commissioner shall cause to be made a complete study and diagnosis of each youthful offender, including a physical examination and, where possible and indicated, a mental examination. In the absence of exceptional circumstances, each study and diagnosis shall be completed within a period of 60 days from the date of commitment.
2. Upon the receipt of all reports and recommendations required by subsection (a) of this Code section, the department shall:
   1. Allocate and direct a transfer of the youthful offender to an institution or facility for treatment; or
   2. Order the youthful offender confined and afforded treatment under such conditions as are necessary for the protection of the public.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-4 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-5. Transfer.

The commissioner may order the transfer of the offender from one institution or facility to any other institution or facility operated by the department.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-5 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-6. Notification of State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

After receipt of the reports and recommendations provided for by subsection (a) of Code Section 42-7-4 and the commissioner or his designee has determined whether or not an individual shall receive youthful offender treatment, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles shall be notified.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-6 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-7. Adoption of policies and procedures.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles shall adopt policies and procedures concerning individuals designated to receive youthful offender treatment.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-7 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

42-7-8. Court recommendation of treatment as youthful offender.

If a court finds that a youthful offender might benefit from this chapter, the court may recommend that a young offender be treated as a youthful offender by indicating the recommendation in writing in the sentence itself. When the judge has recommended in the sentence that a person be given youthful offender treatment, release may be made without regard to limitations placed upon the service of a portion of the prison sentence provided by Code Section 42-9-45. After the offender is evaluated, the department will make the decision concerning the placement of the offender.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-8 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

Cross references.

Sentence and punishment generally, T. 17, C. 10.

Punishment of misdemeanor first offenders, § 17-10-3 .

Law reviews.

For article on the effect of nolo contendere plea on conviction, see 13 Ga. L. Rev. 723 (1979).

42-7-9. Construction of chapter.

1. Nothing in this chapter shall limit or affect the power of any court to proceed in accordance with any other applicable provisions of law.
2. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed in any way to amend, repeal, or affect the jurisdiction of the juvenile court system of this state.
3. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed in any way to amend, repeal, or affect the jurisdiction of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. A person sentenced under this chapter shall have his eligibility for parole computed in the same manner as other offenders sentenced to the jurisdiction of the department.

History. Code 1981, § 42-7-9 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.

Cross references.

Juvenile proceedings generally, T. 15, C. 11.

42-8-1. [Reserved] Creation; composition; selection of members; terms of office.

History. Ga. L. 1980, p. 400, § 1; Ga. L. 2014, p. 866, § 42/SB 340; repealed by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 2-1/HB 310, effective July 1, 2015.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Ga. L. 2017, p. 774, § 42(1)/HB 323, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, in 2017, this Code section was designated as reserved.

42-8-20. Short title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the “State-wide Probation Act.”

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 1; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

Cross references.

Payments into the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund, T. 17, C. 15.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310, effective July 1, 2015, reenacted this Code section without change.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-21. Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

1. “DCS” means the Department of Community Supervision.
2. “Officer” means a community supervision officer as defined in Code Section 42-3-1.
3. “Qualified offense” means a felony offense of:
   1. Burglary in the second degree in violation of Code Section 16-7-1;
   2. Possession of tools for the commission of crime in violation of Code Section 16-7-20;
   3. Criminal damage to property in the second degree in violation of Code Section 16-7-23;
   4. Interference with government property in violation of Code Section 16-7-24;
   5. Arson in the third degree in violation of Code Section 16-7-62;
   6. Burning of woodlands, brush, fields, or other lands in violation of Code Section 16-7-63 when the punishment is as set forth in paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 16-7-63;
   7. Theft in violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 when the punishment is as set forth in subparagraph (a)(1)(B) or (a)(1)(C) of Code Section 16-8-12;
   8. Theft by shoplifting in violation of Code Section 16-8-14;
   9. Refund fraud in violation of Code Section 16-8-14.1;
   10. Conversion of payments for real property improvements in violation of Code Section 16-8-15;
   11. Entering an automobile or other motor vehicle with intent to commit theft or felony in violation of Code Section 16-8-18;
   12. Livestock theft in violation of Code Section 16-8-20;
   13. Forgery in violation of Code Section 16-9-1;
   14. Printing, executing, or negotiating checks, drafts, orders, or debit card sales drafts knowing information thereon to be in error, fictitious, or assigned to another account holder in violation of Code Section 16-9-21;
   15. Financial transaction card offenses in violation of Code Section 16-9-31, 16-9-32, 16-9-33, 16-9-34, 16-9-35, 16-9-36.1, or 16-9-37, provided that the aggregate value of the loss does not exceed $25,000.00;
   16. Failing to pay for natural products or chattels in violation of Code Section 16-9-58;
   17. Purchasing, possessing, manufacturing, delivering, distributing, administering, selling, or possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances, marijuana, counterfeit substances, or flunitrazepam in violation of Code Section 16-13-30;
   18. Unlawfully manufacturing, delivering, distributing, selling, or possessing with the intent to distribute noncontrolled substances in violation of Code Section 16-13-30.1;
   19. Possession of substances containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine or sales of products containing those ingredients in violation of Code Section 16-13-30.3 when the punishment is as set forth in paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of Code Section 16-13-30.3; and
   20. Violation of Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 when the punishment is as set forth in subsection (b) of Code Section 16-13-79.

History. Code 1981, § 42-8-21 , enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2017, p. 585, § 2-5/SB 174.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted the present provisions for “Reserved.”

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, added paragraph (3).

Editor’s notes.

This Code section was based on Code 1981, § 42-8-21 ; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 42; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 repeal of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 290 (2012).

For article on the 2015 enactment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For article on the 2017 amendment of this Code section, see 34 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 115 (2017).

42-8-22. State-wide probation system for felony offenders created; administration generally.

There is created a state-wide probation system for felony offenders to be administered by DCS. Separate files and records shall be kept with relation to the system.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 2; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 1; Ga. L. 1962, p. 16, § 1; Ga. L. 1966, p. 56, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 283, § 1; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1643, § 2; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “There is created a state-wide probation system for felony offenders to be administered by the Department of Corrections. The probation system shall not be administered as part of the duties and activities of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Separate files and records shall be kept with relation to the system.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 1972, p. 1069, § 13, provides that the policy-making functions of the probation system be vested in the Board of Offender Rehabilitation (now Board of Corrections) and that the administrative functions be vested in the Department of Offender Rehabilitation (now Department of Corrections).

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-23. Administration of supervision of felony probationers by DCS; graduated sanctions.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “chief officer” means the highest ranking field officer in each judicial circuit who does not have direct supervision of the probationer who is the subject of the hearing.
2. DCS shall administer the supervision of felony probationers.
3. If graduated sanctions have been made a condition of probation by the court and if a probationer violates the conditions of his or her probation, other than for the commission of a new offense, DCS may impose graduated sanctions as an alternative to judicial modification or revocation of probation, provided that such graduated sanctions are approved by a chief officer.
4. The failure of a probationer to comply with the graduated sanction or sanctions imposed by DCS shall constitute a violation of probation.
5. A probationer may at any time voluntarily accept the graduated sanctions proposed by DCS.
6. 1. DCS’s decision shall be final unless the probationer files an appeal in the sentencing court. Such appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the issuance of the decision by DCS.
   2. Such appeal shall first be reviewed by the sentencing court upon the record. At the court’s discretion, a de novo hearing may be held on the decision. The filing of the appeal shall not stay DCS’s decision.
   3. When the sentencing court does not act on the appeal within 30 days of the date of the filing of the appeal, DCS’s decision shall be affirmed by operation of law.
7. Nothing contained in this Code section shall alter the relationship between judges and officers prescribed in this article nor be construed as repealing any power given to any court of this state to place offenders on probation or to supervise offenders.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 1069, § 14; Ga. L. 1977, p. 1209, § 2; Ga. L. 1978, p. 1647, § 3; Ga. L. 2000, p. 1643, § 2; Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 7-7/HB 1176; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “The department shall administer the supervision of felony probationers. Nothing in this Code section shall alter the relationship between judges and probation supervisors prescribed in this article.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “DCS” for “The department” and “the department” throughout this Code section; substituted “DCS’s” for “The department’s” and “the department’s” throughout this Code section; deleted “probation” preceding “officer” in two places in subsection (a) and near the end of subsection (c); in paragraph (f)(2), substituted “sentencing court” for “judge” in the first sentence, substituted “court’s discretion” for “judge’s discretion” in the second sentence; substituted “court” for “judge” in paragraph (f)(3); and substituted “officers” for “probation supervisors” in subsection (g). See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 899, § 9-1(a)/HB 1176, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2012, and shall apply to offenses which occur on or after that date. Any offense occurring before July 1, 2012, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such offense and shall be considered a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing a sentence that provides for a different penalty for a subsequent conviction for the same type of offense, of whatever degree or level, pursuant to this Act.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2012 amendment of this Code section, see 29 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 290 (2012).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-24. General duties of DCS; rules and regulations.

1. As used in this Code section, the term “split sentence” means any felony sentence that includes a term of imprisonment followed by a term of probation.
2. It shall be the duty of DCS to supervise and direct the work of the officers provided for in Code Section 42-8-25 and to keep accurate files and records on all probation cases, split sentence cases, parole cases, persons released pursuant to Code Section 17-10-1, and persons under supervision. It shall be the duty of the Board of Community Supervision to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 4; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 4; Ga. L. 1967, p. 86, § 3; Ga. L. 1969, p. 945, § 1; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 3; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, added subsection (a); redesignated the previously existing provisions as subsection (b); and, in subsection (b), in the first sentence, substituted “DCS” for “the department” near the beginning, substituted “officers” for “probation supervisors” near the middle, inserted “, split sentence cases, parole cases, persons released pursuant to Code Section 17-10-1,”, and substituted “under supervision” for “on probation” at the end, and substituted “Board of Community Supervision” for “board” in the second sentence. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-25. Employment of community service officers; assignment to circuits by DCS.

DCS shall employ officers. DCS may assign one officer to each judicial circuit in this state or, for purposes of assignment, may consolidate two or more judicial circuits and assign one officer thereto. In the event DCS determines that more than one officer is needed for a particular circuit, additional officers may be assigned to the circuit. DCS is authorized to direct any officer to assist any other officer wherever assigned. In the event more than one officer is assigned to the same office or to the same division within a particular judicial circuit, DCS shall designate one of the officers to be in charge.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 5; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 5; Ga. L. 1965, p. 413, § 1; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 4; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “The department shall employ probation supervisors. The department may assign one supervisor to each judicial circuit in this state or, for purposes of assignment, may consolidate two or more judicial circuits and assign one supervisor thereto. In the event the department determines that more than one supervisor is needed for a particular circuit, an additional supervisor or additional supervisors may be assigned to the circuit. The department is authorized to direct any probation supervisor to assist any other probation supervisor wherever assigned. In the event that more than one supervisor is assigned to the same office or to the same division within a particular judicial circuit, the department shall designate one of the supervisors to be in charge.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Duties of probation officers, § 15-11-67 .

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-26. Qualifications of officer; compensation and expenses; conflicts of interest; bonds.

1. 1. In order for a person to be an officer, he or she shall be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment and shall have completed a standard two-year college course. The qualifications provided in this Code section are the minimum qualifications, and DCS is authorized to prescribe such additional and higher educational qualifications from time to time as it deems desirable, but not to exceed a four-year standard college course.
   2. After January 1, 2016, in order for a person to be an officer, he or she shall complete the basic course of training for supervision of probations and parolees certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; provided, however, that such requirement shall be waived if such person is a certified peace officer.
2. The compensation of officers shall be set pursuant to the rules of the State Personnel Board. Officers shall also be allowed travel and other expenses as are other state employees.
3. 1. No officer shall engage in any other employment, business, or activities which interfere or conflict with his or her duties and responsibilities as an officer.
   2. No officer shall own, operate, have any financial interest in, be an instructor at, or be employed by any private entity which provides drug or alcohol education services or offers a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program certified by the Department of Driver Services.
   3. No officer shall specify, directly or indirectly, a particular DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program which a probationer may or shall attend. This paragraph shall not prohibit such officer from furnishing any probationer, upon request, the names of certified DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs. Any officer violating this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. Each officer shall give bond in such amount as may be fixed by DCS for the use of the person or persons damaged by his or her misfeasance or malfeasance and conditioned on the faithful performance of his or her duties. The cost of the bond shall be paid by DCS; provided, however, that the bond may be procured, either by DCS or by the Department of Administrative Services, under a master policy or on a group blanket coverage basis, where only the number of positions in each judicial circuit and the amount of coverage for each position are listed in a schedule attached to the bond; and in such case each individual shall be fully bonded and bound as principal, together with the surety, by virtue of his or her holding the position or performing the duties of officer in the circuit or circuits, and his or her individual signature shall not be necessary for such bond to be valid in accordance with all the laws of this state. The bond or bonds shall be made payable to DCS.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 6; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 6; Ga. L. 1960, p. 1092, § 1; Ga. L. 1965, p. 413, § 2; Ga. L. 1967, p. 86, § 4; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 5; Ga. L. 1991, p. 94, § 42; Ga. L. 1992, p. 3221, § 4; Ga. L. 1996, p. 1107, § 1; Ga. L. 2005, p. 334, § 24-1/HB 501; Ga. L. 2009, p. 745, § 2/SB 97; Ga. L. 2012, p. 446, § 2-63/HB 642; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, inserted “or she” twice in the first sentence of subsection (a); substituted “set pursuant to the rules of the State Personnel Board” for “set by the State Personnel Board and the State Personnel Administration” in the first sentence of subsection (b); and inserted “or her” throughout subsection (d).

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, designated the previously existing provisions of subsection (a) as paragraph (a)(1); and, in paragraph (a)(1), substituted the present provisions for the former provisions, which read: “In order for a person to hold the office of probation supervisor, he or she must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment and must have completed a standard two-year college course, provided that any person who is employed as a probation supervisor on or before July 1, 1972, shall not be required to meet the educational requirements specified in this Code section, nor shall he or she be prejudiced in any way for not possessing the requirements. The qualifications provided in this Code section are the minimum qualifications and the department is authorized to prescribe such additional and higher educational qualifications from time to time as it deems desirable, but not to exceed a four-year standard college course.”; added paragraph (a)(2); in subsection (b), substituted “officers” for “the probation supervisors” in the first sentence, and substituted “Officers” for “Probation supervisors” at the beginning of the second sentence; substituted “officer” for “supervisor” throughout subsection (c); substituted “an officer” for “probation supervisor” at the end of paragraph (c)(1); substituted “such officer” for “any supervisor” near the middle of second sentence of paragraph (c)(3); in subsection (d), substituted “DCS” for “the department” throughout, in the first sentence, substituted “officer” for “probation supervisor” near the beginning and near the end of the proviso, and substituted “DCS” for “the department payable to the department” in the middle of the first sentence. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 446, § 3-1/HB 642, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “Personnel, equipment, and facilities that were assigned to the State Personnel Administration as of June 30, 2012, shall be transferred to the Department of Administrative Services on the effective date of this Act.” This Act became effective July 1, 2012.

Ga. L. 2012, p. 446, § 3-2/HB 642, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “Appropriations for functions which are transferred by this Act may be transferred as provided in Code Section 45-12-90.”

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-27. Duties of officers.

An officer shall supervise and counsel probationers and parolees in the judicial circuit to which he or she is assigned. Each officer shall perform the duties prescribed in this chapter and other duties as are prescribed by DCS and shall make and keep any records and files and make such reports as are required of him or her by DCS, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, or a court. Officers shall be authorized to provide supervision of defendants who are participants in a drug court division, mental health court division, or veterans court division operated by a superior court, provided that sufficient staff and resources exist for such supervision.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 7; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 7; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 6; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310; Ga. L. 2017, p. 585, § 2-6/SB 174.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “The probation supervisor shall supervise and counsel probationers in the judicial circuit to which he is assigned. Each supervisor shall perform the duties prescribed in this chapter and such duties as are prescribed by the department and shall keep such records and files and make such reports as are required of him.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, added the last sentence.

Cross references.

Applicability of this state’s correction laws to probationers found in other states, T. 42, C. 11.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

For article on the 2017 amendment of this Code section, see 34 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 115 (2017).

42-8-28. Assignment of officers among judicial circuits generally.

Officers shall be assigned among the respective judicial circuits based generally on the relative number of persons on probation and parole in each circuit.

History. Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 15A; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, in this Code section, substituted “Officers” for “Probation supervisors” at the beginning, and inserted “and parole”. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-29. Presentence investigations; supervision of probationers; maintenance of records relating to probationers.

1. It shall be the duty of each officer to investigate all cases referred to him or her by the court and to make findings and report thereon in writing to the court with a recommendation. The superior court may require, before imposition of sentence, a presentence investigation and written report in each felony case in which the defendant has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has been convicted.
2. An officer shall cause to be delivered to each person placed on probation under his or her supervision a copy of the terms of probation and any change or modification thereof and shall cause the person to be instructed regarding the same. An officer shall keep informed concerning the conduct, habits, associates, employment, recreation, and whereabouts of the probationer or parolee by visits, by requiring reports, or in other ways. An officer shall use all practicable and proper methods to aid and encourage persons on probation or parole and to bring about improvements in their conduct and condition.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 9; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 8; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, designated the previously existing provisions as subsections (a) and (b); inserted “or her” in the first sentence of subsections (a) and (b); in subsection (a), in the first sentence, substituted “each officer” for “probation supervisor”, deleted “his” preceding “findings” in the middle, and substituted “a recommendation” for “his recommendation” near the end; in subsection (b), substituted “An officer” for “He” throughout, substituted “An officer” for “The probation supervisor” at the beginning of the first sentence and deleted “certified” preceding “copy”, inserted “or parolee” in the second sentence, deleted the former third sentence, which read: “He shall make such reports in writing or otherwise as the court may require.”, inserted “or parole” in the fourth sentence, and deleted the last sentence, which read: “He shall keep records on each probationer referred to him.” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Applicability of this state’s correction laws to probationers’ found in other states, T. 42, C. 11.

Code Commission notes.

Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2015, “the” was deleted following “It shall be the duty of” at the beginning of subsection (a).

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article, “A Review of Georgia’s Probation Laws,” see 6 Ga. St. B.J. 255 (1970).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-29.1. Disposition of officer’s records; confidentiality.

1. When a convicted person is committed to an institution under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, any presentence or post-sentence investigation or psychological evaluation compiled by an officer shall be forwarded to any division or office designated by the commissioner of corrections. Accompanying such document or evaluation shall be the case history form and the criminal history sheets from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Georgia Crime Information Center, if available, unless any such information has previously been sent to the Department of Corrections pursuant to Code Section 42-5-50. A copy of such documents shall be made available for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. A copy of one or more of such documents, based on need, may be forwarded to another institution to which the defendant may be committed.
2. The prison or institution receiving such documents shall maintain the confidentiality of the documents and the information contained therein and shall not send, release, or reveal them to any other person, institution, or agency without the express consent of the unit which originated or accumulated the documents.

History. Code 1981, § 42-8-29.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 697, § 1; Ga. L. 1984, p. 22, § 42; Ga. L. 1989, p. 14, § 42; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, in subsection (a), substituted “Department of Corrections” for “department” in the first and second sentences, in the first sentence, substituted “an officer” for “a probation supervisor or other probation official” in the middle and inserted “of corrections” at the end, substituted “such document or evaluation shall be” for “this document or evaluation will be” in the second sentence, substituted “such documents” for “these same documents” in the third sentence, substituted “such documents” for “these documents” in the last sentence and in the first sentence of subsection (b); in subsection (b), substituted “, release,” for “them or release them” in the middle and deleted “probation” preceding “unit” near the end. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-30. Applicability of this article when private probation services are utilized.

In any county where the chief judge of the superior court, state court, municipal court, probate court, or magistrate court has provided for probation services for such court through agreement with a private corporation, enterprise, or agency or has established a county or municipal probation system for such court pursuant to Article 6 of this chapter, the provisions of this article relating to supervision services shall not apply to defendants sentenced in any such court.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 16; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 12; Code 1981, § 42-8-30 , as redesignated by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, redesignated former Code Section 42-8-30.1 as present Code Section 42-8-30, and substituted “Article 6 of this chapter” for “Code Section 42-8-100” and deleted “probation” preceding “supervision” near the end. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Applicability of this state’s correction laws to probationers’ found in other states, T. 42, C. 11.

Editor’s notes.

Former Code Section 42-8-30 (Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 16; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 12), relating to supervision of juvenile offenders by probation supervisors, was repealed by Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310, effective July 1, 2015.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-30.1. Redesignated.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310, effective July 1, 2015, redesignated former Code Section 42-8-30.1 as present Code Section 42-8-30.

42-8-31. Collection and disbursement of funds by officers; recordkeeping; bank accounts.

No officer shall collect or disburse any funds whatsoever, except by written order of the court; and it shall be the duty of the officer to transmit a copy of such order to DCS not later than 15 days after it has been issued by the court. Every officer who collects or disburses any funds whatsoever shall faithfully keep the records of accounts as are required by DCS, which records shall be subject to inspection by DCS at any time. In every instance when a bank account is required, it shall be kept in the name of the Department of Community Supervision.

History. Ga. L. 1960, p. 1092, § 4; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 15; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted the present provisions of this Code section for the former provisions, which read: “No probation supervisor shall collect or disburse any funds whatsoever, except by written order of the court; and it shall be the duty of the supervisor to transmit a copy of the order to the department not later than 15 days after it has been issued by the court. Every supervisor who collects or disburses any funds whatsoever shall faithfully keep the records of accounts as are required by the department, which records shall be subject to inspection by the department at any time. In every instance where a bank account is required, it shall be kept in the name of the ‘State Probation Office.’ ” See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Applicability of this state’s correction laws to probationers’ found in other states, T. 42, C. 11.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).

42-8-32. Funds which may be collected by officers.

No officer shall be directed to collect any funds other than funds directed to be paid as the result of a criminal proceeding.

History. Ga. L. 1956, p. 27, § 14; Ga. L. 1958, p. 15, § 10; Ga. L. 1960, p. 1148, § 3; Ga. L. 1972, p. 604, § 10; Ga. L. 1989, p. 380, § 3; Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 4-1/HB 310.

The 2015 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “officer” for “probation supervisor” in this Code section. See Editor’s notes for applicability.

Cross references.

Applicability of this state’s correction laws to probationers’ found in other states, T. 42, C. 11.

Editor’s notes.

Ga. L. 2015, p. 422, § 6-1/HB 310, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: “This Act shall become effective July 1, 2015, and shall apply to sentences entered on or after such date.”

Law reviews.

For note on 1989 amendment to this Code section, see 6 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 232 (1989).

For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 231 (2015).