#GeorgiaLaw | AM 1180 Radio

August 24, 2026

Armuchee Woman Charged With Aggravated Cruelty To Animals

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An Armuchee woman has been arrested on a felony warrant charging her with aggravated cruelty to animals after authorities say she admitted beating her small dog to death with a sledgehammer.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Changes Rules For School-Zone Speed Cameras

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New restrictions are changing how automated school-zone speed cameras may be used across Georgia as students return to class.

July 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Requires Registration of AED Locations With Chattooga County 911

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Businesses, schools, churches, government agencies and other organizations in Chattooga County that own an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are now required to register the device’s location with Chattooga County EMA/E-911 under a new state law that took effect July 1.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles

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Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.

To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.

Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.

July 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Tax Sale Scheduled for August 4

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The Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office has announced that the county’s annual tax sale will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, on the steps of the Chattooga County Courthouse in Summerville.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Launches “Safe at Home” Program to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes

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A new statewide program is now available to help protect the privacy and safety of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other qualifying crimes in Georgia.

July 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Expands Medical Cannabis Access for Patients

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Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Law Allows Consumer Fireworks, But Safety Should Come First

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As Independence Day approaches, many families across Northwest Georgia are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While Georgia law allows the use of many consumer fireworks, officials are reminding residents that safety should remain the top priority.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Residents Reminded to Call 811 Before Digging

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Summerville residents planning outdoor projects are being reminded to call 811 before beginning any digging or excavation work.

Whether installing a privacy fence, starting construction, or preparing for a pool project, homeowners and contractors are required by Georgia law to contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before digging begins.

Underground utility lines can include natural gas pipes, water mains, sewer lines, and electric cables. Striking one of those lines can cause service outages, costly repairs, injuries, or dangerous emergency situations.

The Georgia 811 service is free. After a request is submitted, utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Anyone digging near marked lines should use caution and hand tools when working within 24 inches of a marked utility.

Residents can contact Georgia 811 by dialing 811, calling 800-282-7411, or visiting Georgia811.com.

Summerville officials encourage everyone to help protect public safety and utility service by remembering one simple rule: call before you dig.

June 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has issued a statement addressing questions and concerns from residents regarding property appraisal work currently being conducted throughout the county by GMASS (Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services).