§ 43-17-8.1 - Requirements for use of collection receptacles for donations - Georgia Statutes

O.C.G.A. 43-17-8.1 (2010)
43-17-8.1. Requirements for use of collection receptacles for donations

(a) When any person makes a solicitation to the public by encouraging donations into a collection receptacle, the provisions of this Code section shall apply to such solicitations.

(b) If the collection receptacle is owned or operated entirely by a charitable organization exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or by a religious organization, the receptacle shall contain the following information in boldface letters at least two inches high on the front of the collection receptacle and directly underneath the deposit door stating:

(1) The name, address, website, if any, and telephone number of the charitable organization or religious organization that owns or operates the collection receptacle, from which persons may obtain additional information about the religious or charitable organization, including the address of its principal office and its telephone number; and

(2) Whether or not the charitable organization or religious organization is registered with the Secretary of State and, if it is registered, a statement that additional information may be obtained from the Secretary of State, including the charitable or religious purpose for which the charitable organization or religious organization exists.

(c) If the collection receptacle is owned or operated entirely or in part by any entity other than a charitable organization exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or by a religious organization, then the following shall apply:

(1) In the case where any of the items collected are to be sold and none of the proceeds of such sale are to be paid over or otherwise given to a charitable organization exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or to a religious organization, it shall be unlawful for any person to collect donations of goods or tangible items in such collection receptacle unless the collection receptacle displays the following statement: "DONATIONS ARE NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY CHARITABLE OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION." The name, address, website, if any, and telephone number of the operator of the collection receptacle shall also be provided; and

(2) In the case where any of the items collected are to be sold and some or all of the proceeds from such sale are to be paid over or otherwise given to one or more charitable organizations exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or to a religious organization, it shall be unlawful for any person to collect donations of goods or tangible items in a collection receptacle unless the collection receptacle displays the following statement: "THIS COLLECTION BOX IS OPERATED BY [NAME OF OPERATOR]. THE ITEMS DEPOSITED IN THIS BOX WILL BE SOLD, AND A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE PAID TO [NAME OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION]. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PAYMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM [NAME OF OPERATOR] AT [ADDRESS, WEBSITE, IF ANY, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OPERATOR] AND [ADDRESS, WEBSITE, IF ANY, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION]. IN ADDITION, FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE."

The statements and all information required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be prominently displayed in boldface letters at least two inches high located on the front of the collection receptacle and directly underneath the deposit door.

(d) The Secretary of State may by rule specify additional contact information required to be disclosed pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section.