05 HB501/SCSFA/1
SENATE
SUBSTITUTE TO HB 501
AS
PASSED SENATE
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor
vehicles and traffic, and numerous other provisions of the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated, so as to substantially amend laws relating to operation and
regulation of motor vehicles and substantially revise the state administration
of such laws; to create the Department of Driver Services as a successor agency
to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety; to provide for the Department of
Driver Services to assume certain responsibilities of the Department of Motor
Vehicle Safety and in particular responsibility for driver´s licensing
services; to substantially amend provisions relative to the issuance of
driver´s licenses, change fees therefor, change the duration thereof,
change the requirements and procedure for issuance thereof, change provisions
relating to suspension and renewal thereof, and make other related changes; to
amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated so as to transfer into other
departments and agencies responsibility for administration of other laws
relating to motor vehicles, including but not limited to titling, registration,
and licensing of motor vehicles, insuring of motor vehicles and responsibility
for accidents, regulation of vehicle sizes and weights, fuel tax enforcement,
certification and permitting of carriers, handicapped parking permits,
establishment of vehicle and vehicle component safety standards, and
transportation of hazardous materials; to provide for the revision and amendment
of certain laws relating to transferred functions, both in connection with and
in addition to the transfer of functions; to provide for other matters related
to the foregoing; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws;
and for other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
PART
I
Amendments to Chapter 40-16.
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.
SECTION 1-1.
Amendments to Chapter 40-16.
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.
SECTION 1-1.
Chapter
16 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, is amended by striking said chapter in its
entirety and inserting in its place a new chapter to read as
follows:
"CHAPTER
16
40-16-1.
As
used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
'Board' means the Board of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services.
(2)
'Commissioner' means the commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services.
(3)
'Department' means the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services.
40-16-2.
(a)
There is created the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services.
The Department
of Driver Services shall be a successor agency to and continuation of the former
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. The
department shall be the agency primarily responsible for:
(1)
Administration of the laws and regulations relating to registration and titling
of motor vehicles, as provided for in Chapters 2 and 3 of Title 40;
(2)(1)
Administration of the laws and regulations relating to drivers´ licenses,
as provided for in Chapter 5 of
Title
40
this
title;
(3)(2)
Administration of the laws and regulations relating to proof of financial
responsibility, as provided for in Chapter 9 of
Title
40
this
title;
(3)
Administration of laws relating to ignition interlock devices for use by driving
under the influence offenders;
(4)
Administration of laws relating to driver training schools, driver improvement
clinics, DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs, and commercial driving
schools;
(5)
Administration of laws relating to motorcycle safety programs;
(6)
Administration of laws and regulations relating to issuance of limousine
chauffeur permits; and
(7)
Administration of any other laws specifically providing for their administration
by the department.
(b)
Responsibility for the following functions formerly exercised by the Department
of Motor Vehicle Safety is transferred as follows:
(4)(1)
Enforcement
Promulgation
of laws
and regulations relating to the size and
the weights of motor vehicles, trailers, and loads as provided for in Article 2
of Chapter 6 of Title 32
shall be
vested in the Department of Transportation; and administrative enforcement of
such regulations and the law enforcement function of apprehending and citing
violators of such laws and regulations are transferred to the Department of
Public Safety, as well as the function of promulgating regulations relative to
its enforcement function;
(5)(2)
Enforcement of laws and regulations relating to licensing and fuel tax
registration requirements
and the
reporting of violations of said requirements to the state revenue
commissioner
is transferred
to the Department of Public
Safety;
(6)(3)
Administration
and
enforcement anywhere in the state of laws
and regulations relating to
certification
of motor
carriers,
limousine carriers, and hazardous material carriers as provided for in Chapters
7 and 11 of Title 46
and limousine
carriers is transferred to the Public Service Commission and administration of
laws and regulations relating to carrier registration and registration and
titling of vehicles is transferred to the Department of
Revenue;
(4)
Administration of laws relating to motor vehicle franchise practices is
transferred to the Department of Revenue;
(5)
Administration of laws relating to handicapped parking permits is transferred to
the Department of Revenue;
(6)
Responsibility for establishment of safety standards for motor vehicles and
motor vehicle components is generally transferred to the Department of Public
Safety except as may be specifically otherwise provided by law;
(7)
Administration of laws relating to hazardous materials carriers is transferred
to the Department of Public Safety;
(7)(8)
Enforcement of all state laws
but
only on the following properties owned or
controlled by the Department of Transportation or the State Road and Tollway
Authority is
transferred to the Department of Public
Safety: rest areas, truck-weighing
stations or checkpoints, wayside parks, parking facilities, toll facilities, and
any buildings and grounds for public equipment and personnel used for or engaged
in administration, construction, or maintenance of the public roads or research
pertaining thereto;
(8)(9)
Enforcement of Code Section 16-10-24, relating to obstructing or hindering law
enforcement
officers,
but only in those situations involving the obstruction or hindrance of
enforcement officers designated by the department in their official
duties
is transferred
to the Department of Public
Safety;
(9)
Directing and controlling traffic on any public road which is part of the state
highway system but only in areas where maintenance and construction activities
are being performed and at scenes of accidents and emergencies until local
police officers or Georgia State Patrol officers arrive and have the situation
under control;
(10)
Enforcement of Code Sections 32-9-4 and 40-6-54, relating to designation of
restricted travel lanes
is transferred
to the Department of Public
Safety;
(11)
Enforcement of Code Section 16-11-43, relating to obstructing highways, streets,
sidewalks, or other public passages, on any public road which is part of the
state highway system
is transferred
to the Department of Public
Safety;
(12)
Enforcement of Code Section 16-7-43, relating to littering public or private
property or waters, on any public road which is part of the state highway system
is transferred
to the Department of Public Safety;
and
(13)
Enforcement of Code Section 16-7-24, relating to interference with government
property, on any public road which is part of the state highway system
is transferred
to the Department of Public
Safety;
and.
(14)
Enforcement of any state law when ordered to do so by the Governor.
(b)
In performance of the duties specified in subsection (a) of this Code section,
certified law enforcement officers employed by the department or designated by
the commissioner shall:
(1)
Be authorized to carry firearms;
(2)
Exercise arrest powers;
(3)
Have the power to stop, enter upon, and inspect all motor vehicles using the
public highways for purposes of determining whether such vehicles have complied
with and are complying with this chapter and other laws the administration or
enforcement of which is the responsibility of the department;
(4)
Have the power to examine the facilities where motor vehicles are housed or
maintained and the books and records of motor carriers for purposes of
determining compliance with this chapter and other laws the administration or
enforcement of which is the responsibility of the department; and
(5)
Exercise the powers generally authorized for law enforcement officers in the
performance of the duties specified by this chapter or otherwise to the extent
needed to protect any life or property when the circumstances demand
action.
(c)(b)
In the performance of its duties, the department shall be required to comply
with all applicable federal laws and rules and regulations and shall certify
that the state is in compliance with all provisions and requirements of all
applicable federal-aid acts and programs.
(d)
The commissioner shall authorize enforcement officers of the department to make
use of dogs trained for the purpose of detection of drugs and controlled
substances while such officers are engaged in the performance of their
authorized duties. If such authorized use of such a dog indicates probable cause
to indicate the presence of contraband, the officer or officers shall in those
circumstances have the full authority of peace officers to enforce the
provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16, the 'Georgia Controlled
Substances Act,' and Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 16, the 'Dangerous Drug
Act'; provided, however, that the department must immediately notify the local
law enforcement agency and district attorney of the jurisdiction where a seizure
is made.
40-16-2.1.
Annual
reports shall be provided to the General Assembly by the affected departments
with respect to the reorganization provided for in Code Section 40-16-2 and with
respect to other activities of the departments as follows:
(1)
The Department of Driver Services shall provide an annual report which shall
include, together with other information deemed pertinent by the department,
service metrics clearly indicating the department´s ability to meet public
demand for its services; and
(2)
The Department of Public Safety shall provide an annual report which shall
include, together with other information deemed pertinent by the department, the
records of the department with respect to safety inspections and citations
issued.
40-16-3.
(a)
The department shall be under the direction, control, and management of the
Board of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services and the commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services. The commissioner shall be
appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the board.
(b)(1)
The Board of
Driver Services shall be a successor to and continuation of
the Board of Motor Vehicle Safety
and
shall consist of nine members. Five members shall be appointed by the Governor
and their terms shall expire as follows: two members on June 30, 2003, and June
30 of each sixth year thereafter; two members on June 30, 2005, and June 30 of
each sixth year thereafter; and one member on June 30, 2007, and June 30 of each
sixth year thereafter. Two members shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor
and their terms shall expire as follows: one member on June 30, 2003, and June
30 of each sixth year thereafter and one member on June 30, 2006, and June 30 of
each sixth year thereafter. Two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House and their terms shall expire as follows: one member on June 30, 2003, and
June 30 of each sixth year thereafter and one member on June 30, 2006, and June
30 of each sixth year thereafter. All members except for the initial appointees
shall serve for terms of six years and until their successors are appointed and
qualified.
(2)
All members serving on the Board of Motor Vehicle Safety as of the time the 2005
amendment of this Code section becomes law shall continue to serve as members of
the Board of Driver Services for the remainder of their original terms of office
and shall if necessary hold over beyond the end of those terms until successors
are appointed and qualified.
(c)
The Governor shall designate a member to serve as chairperson of the board. The
chairperson´s term as chairperson shall expire on June 30, 2003, and June
30 of each second year thereafter. The board may elect other officers from among
its membership and may establish bylaws for the conduct of its
business.
(d)
The members of the board shall receive no salary for their service on the board
but any member who is not otherwise a state officer or employee shall receive a
per diem expense allowance as provided in subsection (b) of Code Section
45-7-21.
(e)
The board shall be the general policy-making body for the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services; and the commissioner shall be
the chief executive officer of the department, subject to the policies
established by the board. All rules and regulations promulgated by the
commissioner must be approved by the board before they take effect.
(f)
The commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be set by the board 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.
(g)
The commissioner shall take and subscribe before the board an oath to discharge
faithfully and impartially the duties of such office, which oath shall be in
addition to the oath required of all civil officers.
40-16-4.
(a)
The commissioner shall establish such units within the department as he or she
deems proper for its administration and shall designate persons to be directors
and assistant directors of such units to exercise such authority as he or she
may delegate to them in writing.
(b)
The commissioner shall have the authority to employ as many persons as he or she
deems necessary for the administration of the department and for the discharge
of the duties of his or her office. He or she shall issue all necessary
directions, instructions, orders, and rules applicable to such persons. He or
she shall have authority, as he or she deems proper, to employ, assign,
compensate, and discharge employees of the department within the limitations of
the department´s appropriation and the restrictions set forth by
law.
(c)
All employees of the department shall be compensated upon a fixed salary basis
and no person shall be compensated for services to the department on a
commission or contingent fee basis.
(d)
Neither the commissioner nor any officer or employee of the department 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 an officer or employee of the department.
(e)
The commissioner shall
delegate to
such officers and employees of the department as he or she may designate the law
enforcement powers and duties of the department as set out in Code Section
40-16-2. All officers and employees to whom such law enforcement powers and
duties are delegated must be certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards
and Training Council as having successfully completed the course of training
required by Chapter 8 of Title 35, the 'Georgia Peace Officer Standards and
Training Act.'
have the
authority to appoint and employ 15 nonuniformed investigators who shall be
certified peace officers pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8 of Title 35,
the 'Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act.' The investigators shall
have full arrest powers in cases involving internal affairs of the department
and in cases involving fraud in applications for or the issuance of any license,
permit, certificate, or other credential within the jurisdiction of the
department. In such cases, the investigators shall be authorized:
(1)
To investigate Department of Driver Services related crimes committed anywhere
in the state;
(2)
To arrest any person violating the criminal laws of this state;
(3)
To serve and execute warrants after notifying the law enforcement agency of the
local jurisdiction of the intent to serve such warrant or warrants;
(4)
To enforce in general the criminal laws of this state; and
(5)
To carry firearms while performing their duties.
40-16-5.
(a)
Subject to approval by the board, the commissioner 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.
(b)
The commissioner may prescribe forms as he or she deems necessary for the
administration and enforcement of this chapter or any law which it is his or her
duty to administer.
(c)
The authority granted to the commissioner pursuant to this Code section shall be
exercised at all times in conformity with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia
Administrative Procedure Act'; provided, however, that regulations governing
motor
common carrier and motor contract carrier
safety, commercial driver
licensing,
and hazardous materials may be adopted by
administrative order referencing compatible federal regulations or standards
without compliance with the procedural requirements of Chapter 13 of Title 50;
provided, further, that such compatible federal regulations or standards shall
be maintained on file by the department and made available for inspection and
copying by the public, by means including but limited to posting on the
department´s computer Internet site.
(d)
Rules and
regulations previously adopted which relate to functions performed by the
Department of Driver Services shall remain of full force and effect as rules and
regulations of the Department of Driver Services until amended, repealed, or
superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the commissioner of driver
services. The following rules and
regulations shall remain of full force and effect as rules and regulations of
the
Department
of Motor Vehicle Safety
referenced
department until amended, repealed, or
superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the
commissioner
of motor vehicle safety
referenced
department:
(1)
All rules and regulations previously adopted
by the
Department of Transportation or the State Transportation Board or the
commissioner of transportation which
relate to functions transferred under this chapter
from
to
the Department of Transportation
to
from
the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety;
(2)
All rules and regulations previously adopted
by the
Public Service Commission which relate to
functions transferred under this chapter
from
to
the Public Service Commission
to
from
the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety;
(3)
All rules and regulations previously adopted
by the
Department of Public Safety or the commissioner of public
safety which relate to functions
transferred under this chapter
from
to
the Department of Public Safety
to
from
the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety;
and
(4)
All rules and regulations previously adopted
by the
Department of Revenue or the state revenue
commissioner which relate to functions
transferred under this chapter
from
to
the Department of Revenue
to
from
the Department of Motor Vehicle
Safety;
and
(5)
All rules and regulations previously adopted which relate to functions
transferred under this chapter from the Department of Human Resources to the
Department of Driver
Services.
(e)
All valid licenses, permits, certificates, and similar authorizations previously
issued by
the
Department of Transportation, the Public Service Commission, the Department of
Public Safety, and the Department of Revenue under laws to be administered by
the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
any department
or agency with respect to any function transferred as provided in this
chapter shall continue in effect until the
same expire by their terms unless they are suspended, revoked, or otherwise made
ineffective as provided by law.
40-16-5.1.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in
subsection
(b) of this Code section, no department
motor vehicles shall be used by any
certified
law enforcement officers
investigators
employed by the department except in the discharge of official duties. Any
other equipment shall be used only with the express written approval of the
commissioner.
(b)
The commissioner
shall
may
adopt rules and regulations governing the use of equipment.
The
commissioner may adopt rules and regulations pursuant to which
investigators
(b)(1)
Certified law enforcement officers
employed by the department may use a department motor vehicle while working an
approved off-duty job, provided
that:
any such use
shall comply with such conditions as may be imposed by the commissioner, which
conditions shall include but shall not be limited to a finding of public benefit
and reimbursement to the department by the employer or employee for use of the
vehicle.
(A)
The off-duty employment is of a general nature that is the subject of a contract
between the off-duty employer and the department and is service in which the use
of the department motor vehicle is a benefit to the department or is in
furtherance of the department´s mission;
(B)
The off-duty employer agrees to pay and does pay to the department an amount
determined by the commissioner to be sufficient to reimburse the department for
the use of the vehicle and to pay the off-duty employee sufficient compensation.
Pursuant to such contract, the department shall pay the employee of the
department the compensation earned on off-duty employment whenever such employee
performs such service in a department motor vehicle; and
(C)
The commissioner has specifically approved, in writing, the individual use of
the vehicle by the employee.
(2)(c)
At no time will an off-duty employee be allowed use of a department motor
vehicle at any political function of any kind.
40-16-6.
(a)
The
To the extent
specifically authorized by law, the
commissioner may pursuant to rule or regulation specify and impose civil
monetary penalties for violations of laws, rules, and regulations administered
by the commissioner. Except as may be hereafter authorized by law, the maximum
amount of any such monetary penalty shall not exceed the maximum penalty
authorized by law or rule or regulation for the same violation immediately prior
to July 1,
2001
2005.
(b)
All proceedings for the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the
commissioner and other contested cases to be decided by or under authority of
the commissioner shall be subject to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia
Administrative Procedure Act.' All such administrative proceedings which are
pending on July 1,
2001
2005,
under laws the administration of which is transferred
to
from
the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety to another enforcement
agency shall be transferred to the
jurisdiction of
the
commissioner
such other
enforcement agency as of July 1,
2001
2005.
(c)
The
enactment
amendment
of this chapter and the Act by which it is
enacted
amended
shall not affect or abate the status as a crime of any act or omission which
occurred prior to July 1,
2001
2005,
nor shall the prosecution of such crime be abated as a result of such
enactment
amendment.
(d)(1)
As used in this subsection, the term 'anhydrous ammonia' means any substance
identified to contain the compound ammonia which is capable of being utilized in
the production of methamphetamine or any other controlled
substance.
(2)
Any person, firm, or corporation transporting methamphetamine, amphetamine, any
mixture containing either methamphetamine or amphetamine, anhydrous ammonia, or
any mixture containing anhydrous ammonia shall be subject to all rules and
regulations promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to Code Section 46-7-26
governing the safe operation of motor vehicles and drivers and the safe
transportation of hazardous materials.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section, the
commissioner may impose civil monetary penalties in an amount not to exceed
$25,000.00 for each violation of any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
to Code Section 46-7-26 with respect to persons transporting methamphetamine,
amphetamine, any mixture containing either methamphetamine or amphetamine,
anhydrous ammonia, or any mixture containing anhydrous ammonia.
40-16-7.
(a)
The department shall be a budget unit to which funds may be appropriated as
provided in the 'Budget Act,' Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45. The
department shall be an independent and distinct department of state government.
The duties of the department shall be performed by that department and not by
any other agency of state government, and the department shall not perform the
duties of any other agency of state government. The position of commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services 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.
(b)
Appropriations
to the
Department of Revenue, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of
Transportation, and the Public Service
Commission for functions transferred to
and
from the Department of Motor Vehicle
Safety
pursuant to
this chapter
and other
departments may be transferred to
the
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety
and from such
departments as provided for in Code
Section 45-12-90, relating to disposition of appropriations for duties,
purposes, and objects which have been transferred. Personnel, equipment, and
facilities previously employed
by the
Department of Revenue, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of
Transportation, and the Public Service
Commission for such transferred functions
shall likewise be transferred to the
Department
of Motor Vehicle Safety
appropriate
departments. Contracts relating to functions transferred to and from the
Department of Motor Vehicle Safety and other departments, and any rights of
renewal under such contracts, shall also be transferred to the appropriate
departments. Any disagreement between such
departments as to any such transfers shall be determined by the
Governor.
(c)
Except as specifically provided otherwise by law, all fines and forfeitures
collected for criminal violations cited by the department´s
enforcement
officers
investigators
shall, after deduction from the total fine or forfeiture of the amounts due the
Peace Officers´ Annuity and Benefit Fund and the Sheriffs´ Retirement
Fund of Georgia and any other deductions specified by law, be paid by the clerk
of the court into the fine and forfeiture fund of the county treasurer in the
same manner and subject to the same rules of distribution as other fines and
forfeitures."
PART
II
Amendments to Code Section 3-3-23.1.
Alcoholic beverage offenses.
SECTION 2-1.
Amendments to Code Section 3-3-23.1.
Alcoholic beverage offenses.
SECTION 2-1.
Code
Section 3-3-23.1, relating to punishment for offenses involving furnishing
alcoholic beverages to, and purchasing, attempting to purchase, and possession
of alcoholic beverages by, a person under 21 years of age, is amended by
striking subsection (f) and inserting in its place a new subsection to read as
follows:
"(f)
In addition to any other punishment or sentence, the court may order all persons
convicted under subsection (b) of this Code section or sentenced under
subsection (c) of this Code section to complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk
Reduction Program prescribed by the Department of
Human
Resources
Driver
Services within 120 days of such
conviction or sentence. Failure to complete such program within 120 days shall
be contempt of court and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300.00 or
20 days imprisonment, or both. If the conviction or sentence results from a
charge of unlawful possession of alcoholic beverages while operating a motor
vehicle, the court shall report such conviction or sentence to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services within ten days after conviction
or
sentencing."
PART
III
Amendments to Article 2 of Chapter 8-2.
Factory built buildings and dwelling units.
SECTION 3-1.
Amendments to Article 2 of Chapter 8-2.
Factory built buildings and dwelling units.
SECTION 3-1.
Article
2 of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
factory built buildings and dwelling units, is amended by striking Part 4,
relating to manufactured or mobile homes, and inserting in its place a new part
to read as follows:
"Part
4
Subpart 1
Subpart 1
8-2-180.
As
used in this part, the term:
(1)
'Clerk of superior court' means the clerk of the superior court of the county in
which the property to which the home is or is to be affixed is
located.
(2)
'Commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety'
means the
state revenue commissioner and includes
any county tax commissioner when so authorized by the
state
revenue commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety to act on his or her behalf
in carrying out the responsibilities of this part.
(3)
'Home' means a manufactured home or mobile home.
(4)
'Manufactured home' has the meaning specified in paragraph (4) of Code Section
8-2-160.
(5)
'Mobile home' has the meaning specified in paragraph (6) of Code Section
8-2-160.
8-2-181.
(a)
A manufactured home or mobile home shall constitute personal property and shall
be subject to the 'Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act,' Chapter 3 of Title
40, until such time as the home is converted to real property as provided for in
this part.
(b)
A manufactured home or mobile home shall become real property if:
(1)
The home is or is to be permanently affixed on real property and one or more
persons with an ownership interest in the home also has an ownership interest in
such real property; and
(2)
The owner of the home and the holders of all security interests therein execute
and file a Certificate of Permanent Location:
(A)
In the real estate records of the county where the real property is located;
and
(B)
With the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety.
(c)
The Certificate of Permanent Location shall be in a form prescribed by the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety and shall
include:
(1)
The name and address of the owner of the home;
(2)
The names and addresses of the holders of any security interest in and of any
lien upon the home;
(3)
The title number assigned to the home;
(4)
A description of the real estate on which the home is or is to be located,
including the name of the owner and a reference by deed book and page number to
the chain of title of such real property; and
(5)
Any other data the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety prescribes.
8-2-182.
(a)
When a Certificate of Permanent Location is properly filed with the clerk of
superior court, the clerk shall record such certificate in the same manner as
other instruments affecting the real property described in the certificate and
shall charge and collect the fees usually charged for recording deeds and other
instruments relating to real estate. Such certificate shall be indexed under the
name of the current owner of the real property in both the grantor and grantee
indexes. The clerk shall provide the owner with a certified copy of the
certificate, reflecting its filing, and shall charge and collect the fees
usually charged for the provision of certified copies of documents relating to
real estate.
(b)
Upon receipt of a certified copy of a properly executed Certificate of Permanent
Location, along with the certificate of title, the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall file and retain a
copy of such certificate together with all other prior title records related to
the home. When a properly executed certificate has once been filed, the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall accept no further
title filings with respect to that home, except as may be necessary to correct
any errors in the department´s records and except as provided in Subparts 2
and 3 of this part.
(c)
When a Certificate of Permanent Location is so filed, the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall issue to the clerk of
the superior court with whom the original Certificate of Permanent Location was
filed confirmation by the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety that the certificate has
been so filed and the certificate of title has been surrendered.
(d)
Upon receipt of confirmation of the filing of the Certificate of Permanent
Location from the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety, the clerk of superior
court shall provide a copy of the Certificate of Permanent Location to the
appropriate board of tax assessors or such other local official as is
responsible for the valuation of real property.
8-2-183.
(a)
When a Certificate of Permanent Location has been properly filed with the clerk
of superior court, a certified copy thereof properly filed with the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety, and the certificate of
title is surrendered, the home shall become for all legal purposes a part of the
real property on which it is located. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the home shall be subject to transfer by the owner of the real
property, subject to any security interest in the real property and subject to
foreclosure of any such interest, in the same manner as and together with the
underlying real property.
(b)
When a home has become a part of the real property as provided in this part, it
shall be unlawful for any person to remove such home from the real property
except with the written consent of the owner of the real property and the
holders of all security interests in the real property and in strict compliance
with the requirements of Subpart 2 of this part. Any person who violates this
subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated
nature.
Subpart
2
8-2-184.
(a)
A home which has previously become real property shall become personal property
if:
(1)
The manufactured home or mobile home is or is to be removed from the real
property with the written consent of the owner of the real property and the
holders of all security interests therein; and
(2)
The owner of the real property and the holders of all security interests therein
execute and file a Certificate of Removal from Permanent Location:
(A)
With the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety; and
(B)
In the real estate records of the county where the real property is
located.
(b)
The Certificate of Removal from Permanent Location shall be in a form prescribed
by the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety and shall
include:
(1)
The name and address of the owner;
(2)
The names and addresses of the holders of any security interest and of any lien;
(3)
The title number formerly assigned to the home;
(4)
A description of the real estate on which the home was previously located,
including the name of the owner and a reference by deed book and page number to
the recording of the former certificate of permanent location; and
(5)
Any other data the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety prescribes.
8-2-185.
(a)
Upon receipt of a properly executed Certificate of Removal from Permanent
Location, the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall file and retain a
copy of such certificate together with all other prior title records related to
the home and may thereafter issue a new certificate of title for the home. The
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall charge and collect
the fee otherwise prescribed by law for the issuance of a certificate of
title.
(b)
When a Certificate of Removal from Permanent Location is so filed, the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall return to the filing
party the original of the certificate containing thereon confirmation by the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety that the certificate has
been so filed.
8-2-186.
(a)
The clerk of superior court shall not accept a Certificate of Removal from
Permanent Location for filing unless the certificate contains thereon the
confirmation by the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety that the certificate has
been filed with the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety.
(b)
When a Certificate of Removal from Permanent Location is properly filed with the
clerk of superior court, the clerk shall record such certificate in the same
manner as other instruments affecting the real property described in the
certificate and shall charge and collect the fees usually charged for recording
deeds and other instruments relating to real estate. Such certificate shall be
indexed under the name of the current owner of the real property in both the
grantor and grantee indexes.
Subpart
3
8-2-187.
(a)
When a home which has previously become real property has been or is to be
destroyed, the owner of the real property and the holders of all security
interests therein shall execute and file a Certificate of
Destruction:
(1)
With the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety; and
(2)
In the real estate records of the county where the real property is
located.
(b)
The Certificate of Destruction shall be in a form prescribed by the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety and shall
include:
(1)
The name and address of the owner;
(2)
The names and addresses of the holders of any security interest and of any lien;
(3)
The title number formerly assigned to the home;
(4)
A description of the real estate on which the home was previously located,
including the name of the owner and a reference by deed book and page number to
the recording of the former certificate of permanent location;
(5)
Verification of the destruction by a law enforcement officer; and
(6)
Any other data the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety prescribes.
8-2-188.
(a)
Upon receipt of a properly executed Certificate of Destruction, the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall file and retain a
copy of such certificate together with all other prior title records related to
the home.
(b)
When a Certificate of Destruction is so filed, the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall issue to the filing
party the original of the certificate containing thereon confirmation by the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety that the certificate has
been so filed.
8-2-189.
(a)
The clerk of superior court shall not accept a Certificate of Destruction for
filing unless the certificate contains thereon the confirmation by the
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety that the certificate has
been filed with the commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety.
(b)
When a Certificate of Destruction is properly filed with the clerk of superior
court, the clerk shall record such certificate in the same manner as other
instruments affecting the real property described in the certificate and shall
charge and collect the fees usually charged for recording deeds and other
instruments relating to real estate. Such certificate shall be indexed under the
name of the current owner of the real property in both the grantor and grantee
indexes.
Subpart
4
8-2-190.
A
manufactured or mobile home which constitutes real property shall not be subject
to Article 10 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 but shall instead be taxed as real
property and a part of the underlying real estate.
8-2-191.
The
commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety shall charge a fee of
$18.00 for any filing under this
part."
PART
IV
Amendments to Title 10.
Commerce and trade.
SECTION 4-1.
Amendments to Title 10.
Commerce and trade.
SECTION 4-1.
Title
10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to commerce and trade, is
amended in Code Section 10-1-350, relating to definitions applicable to
secondary metals recyclers, by striking paragraph (5) and inserting in its place
a new paragraph to read as follows:
"(5)
'Personal identification card' means a driver´s license or identification
card issued by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services or a similar card issued by
another state, a military identification card, a passport, or an appropriate
work authorization issued by the
United
States Immigration and Naturalization
Service
U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland
Security."
SECTION
4-2.
Said
Title 10 is further amended in Code Section 10-1-393, relating to prohibited
unfair or deceptive practices in consumer transactions, by striking paragraph
(28) of subsection (b) and inserting in its place a new paragraph to read as
follows:
"(28)
Any violation of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of
Human
Resources
Driver
Services pursuant to subsection (e) of
Code Section 40-5-83 which relates to the consumer transactions and business
practices of DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs, except that the
Department of
Human
Resources
Driver
Services shall retain primary jurisdiction
over such
complaints;".
SECTION
4-3.
Said
Title 10 is further amended in Code Section 10-1-645, relating to warranty
reimbursement policies under the "Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices
Act," by striking subsection (d) and inserting in its place a new subsection to
read as follows:
"(d)
If a franchisor contracts with its dealers, the franchisor shall certify under
oath to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
that a majority of the dealers of that line make did agree to such an agreement
and file a sample copy of the agreement. On an annual basis, each dealer shall
certify under oath to the department that the reimbursement costs it recovers
under subparagraph (c)(2)(A) of this Code section do not exceed the amounts
authorized by subparagraph (c)(2)(A) of this Code section. The franchisor shall
maintain for a period of three years a file that contains the information upon
which its certification is
based."
SECTION
4-4.
Said
Title 10 is further amended by striking Code Sections 10-1-665, 10-1-666, and
10-1-667, relating to respectively to definitions, enforcement, and
administrative review under the "Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act,"
and inserting in their place new Code sections to read as follows:
"10-1-665.
As
used in this part, the term:
(1)
'Commissioner' means the
state
revenue commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety.
(2)
'Department' means the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue.
10-1-666.
As
an alternative to and in addition to any civil or criminal enforcement of this
article, the
state
revenue commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety by and through the
Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
is authorized to enforce the provisions of this article and any order issued
pursuant to the enforcement of this article.
10-1-667.
Any
dealer, distributor, or manufacturer who is aggrieved by a violation of any
provision of this article may file a petition with the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
setting forth the facts supporting the allegation of such violation. The
commissioner shall issue an administrative order, whenever the commissioner,
after notice to all parties and after a hearing, determines that a violation of
this article or any order issued under this article has occurred. The notice
and the hearing and any administrative review thereof shall be conducted in
accordance with the procedure for contested cases under Chapter 13 of Title 50,
the 'Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.' Any party who has exhausted all
administrative remedies available and who is aggrieved or adversely affected by
a final order or action of the commissioner shall have the right of judicial
review thereof in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia
Administrative Procedure Act.' The commissioner or the prevailing party may
file, in the superior court in the county wherein the party under order resides
or, if such party is a corporation, in the county wherein the corporation
maintains its established place of business or its agent for service of process
is located, or in the county wherein the violation occurred, a certified copy of
a final order of the commissioner, whether unappealed from or affirmed upon
appeal, whereupon the court shall render judgment in accordance therewith and
notify the parties. Such judgment shall have the same effect and proceedings in
relation thereto shall thereafter be the same as though the judgment had been
rendered in an action duly heard and determined by the court. The remedy
prescribed in this Code section shall be concurrent, alternative, and cumulative
with any and all other civil, criminal, or alternative rights, remedies,
forfeitures, or penalties provided, allowed, or available under the laws of this
state."
PART
V
Amendments to Title 15.
Courts.
SECTION 5-1.
Amendments to Title 15.
Courts.
SECTION 5-1.
Title
15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, is amended in
Code Section 15-11-66, relating to disposition of delinquent children in
juvenile court proceedings, by striking subsection (b) and inserting in its
place a new subsection to read as follows:
"(b)
At the conclusion of the dispositional hearing provided in subsection (a) of
Code Section 15-11-65, if the child is found to have committed a delinquent act,
the court may, in addition to any other treatment or rehabilitation, suspend the
driver´s license of such child for any period not to exceed the date on
which the child becomes 18 years of age or, in the case of a child who does not
have a driver´s license, prohibit the issuance of a driver´s license
to such child for any period not to exceed the date on which the child becomes
18 years of age. The court shall retain the driver´s license for a period
of suspension and return it to the offender at the end of such period. The
court shall notify the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services of any such actions taken
pursuant to this subsection. If the child is adjudicated for the commission of
a delinquent act, the court may in its discretion, in addition to any other
treatment or rehabilitation, order the child to serve up to a maximum of 90 days
in a youth development center, or after assessment and with the court´s
approval, in a treatment program provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice
or the juvenile
court."
SECTION
5-2.
Said
Title 15 is further amended in Code Section 15-11-73, relating to juvenile
traffic offenses, by striking subsections (g) and (j) and inserting in their
respective places new subsections to read as follows:
"(g)
Disposition.
If the court finds on the admission of the child or upon the evidence that the
child committed the offense charged, it may make one or more of the following
orders:
(1)
Reprimand, counsel, or warn the child and the child´s parents; provided,
however, that this dispositional order is not available for any offense listed
in subsection (c) of this Code section;
(2)
As a matter of probation or if the child is committed to the custody of the
state, order the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services to suspend the child´s
privilege to drive under stated conditions and limitations for a period not to
exceed 12 months;
(3)
Require the child to attend a traffic school
conducted
approved
by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services or a substance abuse clinic or
program approved by either the Department of Human Resources or the Council of
Juvenile Court Judges for a reasonable period of time;
(4)
Order the child to remit to the general fund of the county a sum not exceeding
the maximum applicable to an adult for a like offense;
(5)
Require the child to participate in a program of community service as specified
by the court;
(6)
Impose any sanction authorized by Code Section 15-11-66, 15-11-67, or 15-11-68;
or
(7)
Place the child on probation subject to the conditions and limitations imposed
by Title 40 on probation granted to adults for like offenses, but such probation
shall be supervised by the court as provided in Code Section
15-11-66."
"(j)
Reporting
procedure. Upon finding that the child
has committed a juvenile traffic offense or a delinquent offense which would be
a violation of Title 40 if committed by an adult, the court shall forward,
within ten days, a report of the final adjudication and disposition of the
charge to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services; provided, however, that this
procedure shall not be applicable to those cases which have been dismissed or in
which the child and the child´s parents have been reprimanded, counseled,
or warned by the court pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (g) of this Code
section. The Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services shall record the adjudication and
disposition of the offense on the child´s permanent record and such
adjudication and disposition shall be deemed a conviction for the purpose of
suspending or revoking the individual´s driver´s license. Such record
shall also be available to law enforcement agencies and courts as are the
permanent traffic records of
adults."
SECTION
5-3.
Said
Title 15 is further amended Code Section 15-12-40, relating to compilation,
maintenance, and revision of jury lists, by striking paragraph (1) of subsection
(a) and inserting in its place a new paragraph to read as follows:
"(1)
At least biennially, unless otherwise directed by the chief judge of the
superior court, the board of jury commissioners shall compile, maintain, and
revise a trial jury list of upright and intelligent citizens of the county to
serve as trial jurors and a grand jury list of the most experienced,
intelligent, and upright citizens of the county to serve as grand jurors. In
composing the trial jury list, the board of jury commissioners shall select a
fairly representative cross section of the intelligent and upright citizens of
the county. In composing the grand jury list, the board of jury commissioners
shall select a fairly representative cross section of the most experienced,
intelligent, and upright citizens of the county. In carrying out revisions of
the trial jury list and grand jury list on or after July 1, 2002, the board of
jury commissioners shall make use of all of the following:
(A)
A list of all residents of the county who are the holders of drivers´
licenses or personal identification cards issued by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 5 of Title 40; and the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services shall periodically make such a
list available to the board of jury commissioners of each county;
(B)
The registered voters list in the county; and
(C)
Any other list of persons resident in the county as may be deemed appropriate by
the board of jury commissioners.
The
Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services shall provide a list, which
includes the name, address, date of birth, gender, driver´s license or
personal identification card number issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter
5 of Title 40, and, whenever racial and ethnic information is collected by the
Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services for purposes of voter
registration pursuant to Code Section 21-2-221, racial and ethnic information,
to the board of jury commissioners of each county. No jury list compiled prior
to July 1, 2002, shall be rendered invalid by the use of or a failure to make
use of the sources specified in this Code section; but each revision of the jury
list on or after that date shall make use of all such sources to the extent
actually available to the board of jury
commissioners."
PART
VI
Amendments to Article 4 of Chapter 16-8.
Motor vehicle chop shops.
SECTION 6-1.
Amendments to Article 4 of Chapter 16-8.
Motor vehicle chop shops.
SECTION 6-1.
Article
4 of Chapter 8 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to motor vehicle chop shops, is amended in Code Section 16-8-82, relating to
definitions applicable to said article, by striking paragraph (5) and inserting
in its place a new paragraph to read as follows:
"(5)
'Vehicle identification number' includes, but is not limited to, a number or
numbers, a letter or letters, a character or characters, a datum or data, a
derivative or derivatives, or a combination or combinations thereof, used by the
manufacturer or the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
for the purpose of uniquely identifying a motor vehicle or motor vehicle
part."
SECTION
6-2.
Said
Article 4 of Chapter 8 of Title 16 is further amended in Code Section 16-8-85,
relating to forfeiture of seized property, by striking paragraph (2) of
subsection (f) and subsections (k), (l), and (r) and inserting in their
respective places a new paragraph and subsections to read as
follows:
"(2)
The prosecutor shall give notice of the forfeiture proceeding by mailing a copy
of the complaint in the forfeiture proceeding to each person whose right, title,
or interest is of record in the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue,
the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Agency, or any other
department or agency of this state, any other state or territory of the United
States, or of the federal government if such property is required to be
registered with any such department or
agency."
"(k)
No motor vehicle or motor vehicle part shall be forfeited under this Code
section solely on the basis that it is unidentifiable. Instead of forfeiture,
any seized motor vehicle or motor vehicle part which is unidentifiable shall be
the subject of a written report sent by the seizing agency to the Department
of Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue,
which report shall include a description of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle
part, including its color, if any; the date, time, and place of its seizure; the
name of the person from whose possession or control it was seized; the grounds
for its seizure; and the location where the same is held or stored.
(l)
When a seized unidentifiable motor vehicle or motor vehicle part has been held
for 60 days or more after the notice to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
specified in subsection (k) of this Code section has been given, the seizing
agency, or its agent, shall cause the motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to be
sold at a public sale to the highest bidder. Notice of the time and place of
sale shall be posted in a conspicuous place for at least 30 days prior to the
sale on the premises where the motor vehicle or motor vehicle part has been
stored."
"(r)
When an applicant for a certificate of title or salvage certificate of title
presents to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
proof that the applicant purchased or acquired a motor vehicle at public sale
conducted pursuant to this Code section and such fact is attested to by the
seizing agency, the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Revenue
shall issue a certificate of title or a salvage certificate of title, as
determined by the
state
revenue commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety, for such motor vehicle
upon receipt of the statutory fee, a properly executed application for a
certificate of title or other certificate of ownership, and the affidavit of the
seizing agency that a state assigned number was applied for and affixed to the
motor vehicle prior to the time that the motor vehicle was released by the
seizing agency to the
purchaser."
PART
VII
Amendments to Title 17.
Criminal procedure.
SECTION 7-1.
Amendments to Title 17.
Criminal procedure.
SECTION 7-1.
Title
17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, is
amended in Code Section 17-5-50, relating to handling and disposition of seized
property, by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (b) and inserting in its place
a new paragraph to read as follows:
"(2)
If the person from whom custody of the property was taken fails to assert a
claim to such property, upon any applicant furnishing satisfactory proof of
ownership of such property and presentation of proper personal identification,
the person in charge of the property section may deliver such property to the
applicant. The person to whom property is delivered shall sign, under penalty of
false swearing, a declaration of ownership, which shall be retained by the
person in charge of the property section. Such declaration, absent any other
proof of ownership, shall be deemed satisfactory proof of ownership for the
purposes of this Code section; provided, however, that, in the case of motor
vehicles, trailers, tractors, or motorcycles which are required to be registered
with the state
revenue commissioner
of motor
vehicle safety, any such stolen vehicle
shall be returned to the person evidencing ownership of such vehicle through a
certificate of title, tag receipt, bill of sale, or other such evidence. The
stolen vehicle shall be returned to the person evidencing ownership within two
days after such person makes application for the return of such vehicle unless a
hearing on the ownership of such vehicle is required under this Code section or
unless law enforcement needs the stolen vehicle for further criminal
investigation purposes. Prior to such delivery, such person in charge of the
property section shall make and retain a complete photographic record of such
property. Such delivery shall be without prejudice to the state or to the person
from whom custody of the property was taken or to any other person who may have
a claim against the
property."
SECTION
7-2.
Said
Title 17 is further amended in Code Section 17-6-2, relating to bail in
misdemeanor cases, by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) and
inserting in their place new paragraphs to read as follows:
"(3)
A failure to appear by the individual who has been charged with a misdemeanor
offense and who posted that individual´s license as bail pursuant to this
subsection shall, by operation of law, cause that individual´s license to
be suspended by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services effective immediately, and the
clerk of the court within five days after that failure to appear shall forward a
copy of the agreement to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services which shall enter the suspension
upon the individual´s driver history record. The posting of a license as
provided in this subsection shall also be considered as bail for the purposes of
Code Section 16-10-51. Where the original court date has been continued by the
judge, clerk, or other officer of the court and there has been actual notice
given to the defendant in open court or in writing by a court official or
officer of the court or by mailing such notice to the defendant´s last
known address, then the provisions of this paragraph shall apply to the new
court appearance date.
(4)
A license suspended pursuant to this subsection shall only be reinstated when
the individual shall pay to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services a restoration fee of $25.00
together with a certified notice from the clerk of the originating court that
the case has either been disposed of or has been rescheduled and a deposit of
sufficient collateral approved by the sheriff of the county wherein the charges
were made in an amount to satisfy the original bail amount has been paid. The
court wherein the charges are pending shall be authorized to require payment of
costs by the defendant in an amount not to exceed $100.00 to reschedule the
case."
SECTION
7-3.
Said
Title 17 is further amended by striking Code Section 17-6-11, relating to
display of driver´s license in lieu of bail, and inserting in its place a
new Code section to read as follows:
"17-6-11.
(a)
Any other laws to the contrary notwithstanding, any person who is apprehended by
an officer for the violation of the laws of this state or ordinances relating
to: (1) traffic, including any offense under Code Section 40-5-72 or 40-6-10,
but excepting any other offense for which a license may be suspended for a first
offense by the commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services, any offense covered under Code
Section 40-5-54, or any offense covered under Article 15 of Chapter 6 of Title
40; (2) the licensing and registration of motor vehicles and operators; (3) the
width, height, and length of vehicles and loads; (4) motor common carriers and
motor contract carriers; or (5) road taxes on motor carriers as provided in
Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 48 upon being served with the official summons
issued by such apprehending officer, in lieu of being immediately brought before
the proper magistrate, recorder, or other judicial officer to enter into a
formal recognizance or make direct the deposit of a proper sum of money in lieu
of a recognizance ordering incarceration, may display his or her driver´s
license to the apprehending officer in lieu of bail, in lieu of entering into a
recognizance for his or her appearance for trial as set in the aforesaid
summons, or in lieu of being incarcerated by the apprehending officer and held
for further action by the appropriate judicial officer. The apprehending officer
shall note the driver´s license number on the official summons. The summons
duly served as provided in this Code section shall give the judicial officer
jurisdiction to dispose of the matter.
(b)
Upon display of the driver´s license, the apprehending officer shall
release the person so charged for his or her further appearance before the
proper judicial officer as required by the summons. The court in which the
charges are lodged shall immediately forward to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services of this state the driver´s
license number if the person fails to appear and answer to the charge against
him or her. The commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services shall, upon receipt of a license
number forwarded by the court, suspend the driver´s license and driving
privilege of the defaulting person until notified by the court that the charge
against the person has been finally adjudicated. Such person´s license
shall be reinstated if the person submits proof of payment of the fine from the
court of jurisdiction and pays to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services a restoration fee of
$35.00
$50.00
or $25.00 when such reinstatement is processed by mail.
(b.1)
It shall be the duty of a law enforcement officer or emergency medical
technician responding to the scene of any motor vehicle accident or other
accident involving a fatal injury to examine immediately the driver´s
license of the victim to determine the victim´s wishes concerning organ
donation. If the victim has indicated that he or she wishes to be an organ
donor, it shall be the duty of such law enforcement officer or emergency medical
technician to take appropriate action to ensure, if possible, that the
victim´s organs shall not be imperiled by delay in verification by the
donor´s next of kin.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section bars any law enforcement officer from arresting or
from seizing the driver´s license of any individual possessing a fraudulent
license or a suspended license or operating a motor vehicle while his or her
license is suspended, outside the scope of a driving permit, or without a
license.
(d)
The commissioner of
motor
vehicle safety
driver
services shall be authorized to promulgate
reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Code section
and to establish agreements with other states whereby a valid license from that
state may be accepted for purposes of this Code
section."
SECTION
7-4.
Said
Title 17 is further amended in Code Section 17-10-3, relating to punishment for
misdemeanors, by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting in their place
new subsections to read as follows:
"(d)
In addition to or instead of any other penalty provided for the punishment of a
misdemeanor involving a traffic offense, or punishment of a municipal ordinance
involving a traffic offense, with the exception of habitual offenders sentenced
under Code Section 17-10-7, a judge may impose any one or more of the following
sentences:
(1)
Reexamination by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services when the judge has good cause to
believe that the convicted licensed driver is incompetent or otherwise not
qualified to be licensed;
(2)
Attendance at, and satisfactory completion of, a driver improvement course
meeting standards approved by the court;
(3)
Within the limits of the authority of the charter powers of a municipality or
the punishment prescribed by law in other courts, imprisonment at times
specified by the court or release from imprisonment upon such conditions and at
such times as may be specified; or
(4)
Probation or suspension of all or any part of a penalty upon such terms and
conditions as may be prescribed by the judge. The conditions may include driving
with no further motor vehicle violations during a specified time unless the
driving privileges have been or will be otherwise suspended or revoked by law;
reporting periodically to the court or a specified agency; and performing, or
refraining from performing, such acts as may be ordered by the
judge.
(e)
Any sentence imposed under subsection (d) of this Code section shall be reported
to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services as prescribed by
law."
PART
VIII
Amendments to Chapter 19-11.
Child support enforcement.
SECTION 8-1.
Amendments to Chapter 19-11.
Child support enforcement.
SECTION 8-1.
Chapter
11 of Title 19, relating enforcement of duty of support, is amended in Code
Section 19-11-9.1, relating to information used for support enforcement
purposes, by striking subsection (a.1) and inserting in its place a new
subsection to read as follows:
"(a.1)(1)
In accordance with the mandate contained in 42 U.S.C. Section 666(a)(13)(A) and
notwithstanding any provision of Title 40 relating to motor vehicles as now
existing or hereafter amended, the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services shall require an applicant for a
driver´s license, a commercial driver´s license, a learner´s
permit, or an identification card to provide to the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services the applicant´s social
security number or certification from the Social Security Administration that
the applicant is not eligible for issuance of a social security number
because he or
she is an alien not authorized to work in the United
States as part of the application.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Code section shall be construed
so as to authorize the issuance of any driver´s license, permit, or
identification card to any person who is not
either a
United States citizen or an alien with legal authorization from the United
States Immigration and Naturalization
Service
a resident as
defined in Code Section 40-5-1. If the
Immigration
and Naturalization Service status
legal
authorization of such person is terminated
or expired, any Georgia driver´s license issued to such person shall be
revoked. The Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services shall provide to the Department
of Human Resources, in addition to other information required to be provided to
the Department of Human Resources, such social security numbers of individuals
who have been issued a driver´s license, a commercial driver´s
license, a learner´s permit, or an identification card. The Department of
Human Resources shall use the information provided by the Department of
Motor
Vehicle Safety
Driver
Services pursuant to this Code section for
the purpose of complying with the requirements of law concerning the enforcement
of child support.
(2)
In accordance with the mandate contained in 42 U.S.C. Section 666(a)(13)(A) and
notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 2 of Title 27 relating to licenses and
permits as now existing or hereafter amended, the Department of Natural
Resources shall require an applicant for a license or permit pursuant to Chapter
2 of Title 27 to provide to the Department of Natural Resources the
applicant´s social security number as a part of the license or permit
application. The Department of Natural Resources shall provide to the
Department of Human Resources, along with other information required to be
provided to the Department of Human Resources, the social security numbers of
individuals who have been issued a license or permit pursuant to Chapter 2 of
Title 27. The Department of Human Resources shall use the information provided
by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to this Code section for the
purpose of complying with the requirements of law concerning the enforcement of
child support.
