---
title: Title 16, Chapter 12. Offenses Against Public Health and Morals
collection: code
id: code:chapter:16-12
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/title/16/chapter/12
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12.md
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-11.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-13.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
heading: OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND MORALS
title_heading: CRIMES AND OFFENSES
section_count: 122
full_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12.md?full=1
---

# Title 16, Chapter 12. Offenses Against Public Health and Morals

Title 16. Crimes and Offenses

122 sections. Each line is `citation, catchline, status, URL`; the text of every section, in order, is at https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12.md?full=1 (capped, with a pointer to continue).

- 16-12-1, Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-1.md
- 16-12-1.1, Child, family, or group-care facility operators prohibited from employing or housing persons with certain past criminal violations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-1.1.md
- 16-12-2, Smoking in public places, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-2.md
- 16-12-3, Suspension of gas or electrical service for nonpayment on appliances provided by or repaired by utility company, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-3.md
- 16-12-4, Cruelty to animals, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-4.md
- 16-12-5, Tattooing, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-5.md
- 16-12-20, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-20.md
- 16-12-21, Gambling, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-21.md
- 16-12-22, Commercial gambling, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-22.md
- 16-12-22.1, Raffles operated by nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-22.1.md
- 16-12-23, Keeping a gambling place, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-23.md
- 16-12-24, Possession, manufacture, or transfer of gambling device or parts; possession of antique slot machines, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-24.md
- 16-12-25, Solicitation of another to gamble with intent to defraud or deceive, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-25.md
- 16-12-26, Advertising commercial gambling, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-26.md
- 16-12-27, Advertisement or solicitation for participation in lotteries, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-27.md
- 16-12-28, Communicating gambling information, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-28.md
- 16-12-29, Competent witnesses, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-29.md
- 16-12-30, Seizure and destruction of gambling devices, reserved (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-30.md
- 16-12-31, Seizure and disposition of funds or other things of value used for gambling, reserved (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-31.md
- 16-12-32, Civil forfeiture, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-32.md
- 16-12-33, Bribery of a contestant, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-33.md
- 16-12-34, Soliciting or accepting a bribe to influence outcome of athletic contests, sporting events, or exhibitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-34.md
- 16-12-35, Applicability of part; penalty for violation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-35.md
- 16-12-36, Lawful promotional and giveaway contests, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-36.md
- 16-12-37, Dogfighting, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-37.md
- 16-12-38, Pyramid promotional schemes; exceptions; penalties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-38.md
- 16-12-50, Legislative intent, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-50.md
- 16-12-51, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-51.md
- 16-12-52, License required to operate bingo game; recreational bingo exception, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-52.md
- 16-12-53, Licensing procedure; fee; renewal, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-53.md
- 16-12-54, Revocation of licenses; access to premises by law enforcement agencies, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-54.md
- 16-12-55, Certification of tax-exempt status of organization; issuance of certificate of licensure, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-55.md
- 16-12-56, Issuance of annual one-day license to nonprofit, tax-exempt school; application, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-56.md
- 16-12-57, Restrictions as to ownership of premises utilized, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-57.md
- 16-12-58, Age restrictions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-58.md
- 16-12-59, Annual report to be filed with the Secretary of State, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-59.md
- 16-12-60, Rules and regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-60.md
- 16-12-61, Promulgation of necessary rules and regulations by Secretary of State authorized, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-61.md
- 16-12-62, Penalties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-62.md
- 16-12-63, Transfer of regulatory authority over bingo; procedure and regulation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-63.md
- 16-12-80, Obscene material; distribution; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-80.md
- 16-12-81, Distribution of material depicting nudity or sexual conduct; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-81.md
- 16-12-82, Public nuisances, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-82.md
- 16-12-83, Contraband, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-83.md
- 16-12-84, Public indecency in plays, nightclub acts, and motion pictures, reserved (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-84.md
- 16-12-85, Display of restricted film previews to general audiences, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-85.md
- 16-12-100, Sexual exploitation of children; reporting violation; civil forfeiture; penalties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.md
- 16-12-100.1, Electronically furnishing obscene material to minors, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.1.md
- 16-12-100.2, Computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation prevention, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.2.md
- 16-12-100.3, Obscene telephone contact; conviction; penalties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.3.md
- 16-12-100.4, Access or use of commercial social networking website by high-risk sex offenders; conviction; severability, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.4.md
- 16-12-100.5, Grooming of a minor for a sexual offense or trafficking for sexual servitude, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-100.5.md
- 16-12-101, Legislative purpose, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-101.md
- 16-12-102, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-102.md
- 16-12-103, Selling, loaning, distributing, or exhibiting; duties of video game retailers, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-103.md
- 16-12-104, Library exception, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-104.md
- 16-12-105, Penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-105.md
- 16-12-120, Certain acts in public transit buses, rapid rail cars, or stations; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-120.md
- 16-12-120.1, Altered fare payments; sale or exchange of fare payment without consent, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-120.1.md
- 16-12-121, Short title, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-121.md
- 16-12-122, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-122.md
- 16-12-123, Bus or rail vehicle hijacking; boarding with concealed weapon; company use of reasonable security measures, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-123.md
- 16-12-124, Removal of baggage, freight, or other items transported by bus or stored in a terminal, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-124.md
- 16-12-125, Avoiding or interfering with security measures; penalty; exemption, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-125.md
- 16-12-126, Intentionally interfering with safety or traffic control devices; penalty; exemption, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-126.md
- 16-12-127, Prohibition on firearms, hazardous substances, knives, or other devices; penalty; affirmative defenses, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-127.md
- 16-12-128, Effect of part on other provisions of law; civil or criminal proceedings; restitution, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-128.md
- 16-12-129, Defense of self or others an absolute defense to violation under this part, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-129.md
- 16-12-140, Criminal abortion, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-140.md
- 16-12-141, Restrictions on the performance of abortions; availability of records; civil cause of action; affirmative defenses, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-141.md
- 16-12-141.1, Disposal of aborted fetuses; reporting requirements; penalties; public report; confidentiality of identity of physicians filing reports, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-141.1.md
- 16-12-142, Objections by medical facilities, physicians, or pharmacists to providing abortion-related services, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-142.md
- 16-12-143, Failure to file or maintain required written reports, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-143.md
- 16-12-144, Partial-birth abortions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-144.md
- 16-12-160, Buying or selling or offering to buy or sell the human body or parts, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-160.md
- 16-12-161, Removal of body parts from scene of death or dismemberment; criminal penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-161.md
- 16-12-170, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-170.md
- 16-12-171, Prohibited acts, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-171.md
- 16-12-172, Posting signs in place of business, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-172.md
- 16-12-173, Sales from vending machines, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-173.md
- 16-12-174, Distribution of tobacco product samples, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-174.md
- 16-12-175, Enforcement actions; collection and report of fines; inspections by law enforcement agencies; annual report, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-175.md
- 16-12-176, Administration and enforcement, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-176.md
- 16-12-190, Definition, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-190.md
- 16-12-191, Possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of low THC oil; penalties, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-191.md
- 16-12-200, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-200.md
- 16-12-201, Prohibition against producing, growing, manufacturing, or dispensing low THC oil or products, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-201.md
- 16-12-202, Creation of Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; terms; designation; meetings; vacancy; compensation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-202.md
- 16-12-203, Powers, duties, and responsibilities, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-203.md
- 16-12-204, Nontransferable designated university licenses to produce low THC oil and products; research and reporting of collected information; license revocation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-204.md
- 16-12-205, Role of Georgia universities; testing of specifications, reserved (no version in force today), https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-205.md
- 16-12-206, Annual, nontransferable dispensing license; adoption of rules; fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-206.md
- 16-12-207, Establishment of Medical Cannabis Commission Oversight Committee; membership; inspections; provision of information; plan for accredited lab testing; patient and physician input, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-207.md
- 16-12-210, Powers, duties, and responsibilities of Commission; no undue burden on patients; remission of fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-210.md
- 16-12-211, Class 1 production licenses; application fee; revocation; limitation on ownership, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-211.md
- 16-12-212, Class 2 production licenses; application fees; revocation; limitation on ownership, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-212.md
- 16-12-213, Tracking systems required, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-213.md
- 16-12-214, Study on minority and women participation; addressing discrimination, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-214.md
- 16-12-215, Limitation on locations; advertising or marketing prohibited; information available to physicians, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-215.md
- 16-12-216, Bureau of Investigation, Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, and Composite Medical Board to jointly establish procedures to ensure compliance, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-216.md
- 16-12-217, On-demand access to facilities; provision of samples; testing; secured transportation, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-217.md
- 16-12-218, No eligibility for tax credit, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-218.md
- 16-12-219, Convicted felons prohibited from employment; exception, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-219.md
- 16-12-220, Confidential nature of data; exclusion; patient privacy, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-220.md
- 16-12-221, Contracts for initial licenses awarded through bids or proposals; minimum contract terms and renewals; subcontracting; giving or receiving things of value limited, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-221.md
- 16-12-222, Transfer of ownership; appeals; meaning of license; transfer fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-222.md
- 16-12-223, Revocation of license; appeal, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-223.md
- 16-12-224, Limitation on ownership by member or former member of commission; limitation on physician’s involvement; identification when contributing to political campaigns, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-224.md
- 16-12-225, Criminal offenses; penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-225.md
- 16-12-226, Sales and use taxes applicable, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-226.md
- 16-12-230, Requirements for dispensing low THC oil and products, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-230.md
- 16-12-231, Exemptions from arrest, prosecutions, or penalty, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-231.md
- 16-12-232, Reimbursement to state employees for counsel fees, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-232.md
- 16-12-233, Contracts not against public policy, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-233.md
- 16-12-234, Unlawful ways to ingest low THC oil or products, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-234.md
- 16-12-235, Research in compliance with federal regulations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-235.md
- 16-12-235.1, Possession of THC oil and products by colleges and universities for research purposes; permitting requirements; inspection, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-235.1.md
- 16-12-236, Regulation by Department of Agriculture, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-236.md
- 16-12-240, Definitions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-240.md
- 16-12-241, Age restrictions, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-241.md
- 16-12-242, Notice of age restriction, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-242.md
- 16-12-243, Inspection of seller or distributor locations, active, https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-12-243.md