Table of Contents

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

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Georgia Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?

O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (a)(9) (10) and (e)
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

What information must registrants provide?

O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (a)(16)
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

How frequently must they register? And for how long?

Sex offender once yearly O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (f)(4)
For life O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (f)(6)
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?

O.C.G.A § 42-1-14 (a)(2)(b)(d)(e). Risk assessment classification; classification as “sexually dangerous predator”; electronic monitoring
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6869-M6N3-CGX8-04F5-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-14&context=1000516

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?

The Sexual Offender Registration Review Board uses the STATIC-99R, STATIC-02R, and/or CPOR risk assessment tools when assigning a leveling classification.

ARTICLE 7: Risk Assessments
https://www.sorrb.org/board-information/standing-procedures

Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?

Not required to register: misdemeanors and those prosecuted in juvenile court O.C.G.A. §42-1-12(a)(9)(vii)( C )
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

Is there a registration fee?

No
Previous $250 annual was removed from statute in 2020.

Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?

O.C.G.A § 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
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FYC1-DYB7-W4JP-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-15&context=1000516
O.C.G.A § 42-1-16. Definitions; employment restrictions for sexual offenders; penalties
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FYC1-DYB7-W4JR-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-16&context=1000516
O.C.G.A § 42-1-17. Definitions; residency restrictions for sexual offenders; penalties
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FYC1-DYB7-W4JS-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-17&context=1000516

Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?

Yes O.C.G.A 42-1-19 Petition for release from registration requirements
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FYC1-DYB7-W4JV-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-19&context=1000516

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?

After 14 consecutive days or 30 days within a calendar year. O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (e)(7)
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Within 72 hours. O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (f)(2)
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1F53-CGX8-02G2-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2042-1-12&context=1000516

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FV61-DYB7-W17D-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-80&context=1000516

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-81
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FV61-DYB7-W17F-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-81&context=1000516

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-82
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FV61-DYB7-W17G-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-82&context=1000516

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1SB3-CGX8-02JF-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-100&context=1000516

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100.1
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FV61-DYB7-W17P-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-100.1&context=1000516

O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100.2
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6348-FV61-DYB7-W17R-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-12-100.2&context=1000516

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

None

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

None

What are the state civil commitment laws?

None

Age 16 O.C.G.A. 16-6-3 Statutory Rape
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1R03-CGX8-02JD-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-6-3&context=1000516

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

O.C.G.A. § 16-6-3 Statutory Rape
https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/6865-1R03-CGX8-02JD-00008-00?cite=O.C.G.A.%20%C2%A7%2016-6-3&context=1000516

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

Yes, after you have completed your sentence including any community supervision. You are also eligible if you are serving a first offender sentence for a felony.
https://www.gjp.org/voting/

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

https://gbi.georgia.gov/georgia-sex-offender-registry
https://gbi.georgia.gov/sex-offender-registry-frequently-asked-questions
https://dcs.georgia.gov/sex-offender-special-conditions-supervision-1

How does the state’s legislative process work?

How a Bill Becomes Law
http://www.accg.org/library/how_a_bill_becomes_law.pdf
Steps for a Georgia Bill to Become Georgia Law
https://gbpi.org/bill-tracking/

How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?

Georgia Legislature | 2021-2022
https://legiscan.com/GA
Georgia General Assembly
https://www.legis.ga.gov/
House of representatives
https://www.legis.ga.gov/house
Senate
https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate
House and Senate Committees
https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/all
Georgia Sex Offender Registry
https://gbi.georgia.gov/services/georgia-sex-offender-registry

Best keywords are:

Sexual crime; sex offender registration; sex offender

How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:

Have to sign up and contribute:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/subjects/georgia/6536

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

House: Judiciary Non-Civil
http://www.house.ga.gov/Committees/en-US/committee.aspx?Committee=146&Session=27
House: Juvenile justice
http://www.house.ga.gov/Committees/en-US/committee.aspx?Committee=179&Session=25
House: Public Safety and Homeland Security
http://www.house.ga.gov/Committees/en-US/committee.aspx?Committee=129&Session=27
Senate: Judiciary
http://www.senate.ga.gov/committees/en-US/committee.aspx?Committee=80&Session=25
Senate: Public safety
http://www.senate.ga.gov/committees/en-US/committee.aspx?Committee=81&Session=25

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

To search for your legislator using your address:
https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/

For a full list:
Representatives - http://www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/HouseMembersList.aspx
Senate - http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/SenateMembersList.aspx

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

https://gbi.georgia.gov/contact-us-0

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

Restore Georgia:
https://www.restoregeorgia.org

Other helpful state advocacy groups:

Southern Center for Human Rights
https://www.schr.org/files/post/Update on Georgia Sex Offender Laws.pdf

Other registrant-friendly state support groups:

Response needed.

Other helpful information

http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/georgia/
http://www.georgiaatsa.org/treatment-providers.html