House Bill 676 By: Representatives Clifton of the 131st, Gunter of the 8th, Reeves of the 99th, Wiedower of the 121st, Persinger of the 119th, and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Part 3 of Article 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mechanics and materialmen relative to liens, so as to provide for a fine for any frivolous mechanic lien filed; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Part 3 of Article 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mechanics and materialmen relative to liens, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "44-14-361.6. Any lien filed pursuant to Code Section 44-14-361 that is made without substantial justification or that is not made in good faith or that is made with malice or a wrongful purpose, as such terms are defined in Code Section 51-7-80, shall be subject to a fine of $1,500.00 per lien filed, in addition to any attorney's fees or court costs." SECTION 2. This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. SECTION 3. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.