hb67_LC_21_8032_a_2.html
05 LC 21 8032
House Bill 67
By: Representative Ehrhart of the 36th, Willard of the 49th, Martin of the 47th, Jennings of the 82nd, Lunsford of the 110th, and others


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government in general, so as to provide for neutrality of state law with respect to freedom of decision to provide or not provide certain benefits to unmarried persons; to provide that state and local government entities shall comply with such policy of neutrality; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government in general, is amended by adding at its end a new Code Section 50-1-8 to read as follows:
"50-1-8.
(a) It is the policy of this state that any organization or person in this state may elect to, or elect not to, contractually provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually provides benefits, rights, or privileges to married persons.
(b) State and local government shall not impose any penalty on or withhold any benefits, rights, or privileges from any organization or person on the basis of such organizatiońs or persońs election to or election not to contractually or otherwise provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually or otherwise provides benefits, rights, or privileges to married persons.
(c) Subsection (b) of this Code section shall apply to the state and any political subdivision of the state and to any department, agency, authority, commission, or other entity of the state or any political subdivision of the state.
(d) As used in this Code section, the term 'organization' includes but is not limited to any corporation, association, nonprofit organization, limited liability company, partnership, group, authority, or other entity, including any political subdivision of this state."

SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.