General Assembly Overwhelmingly Passes Secretary Raffensperger’s Legislative Priority Protecting Georgians from Fraudsters
Atlanta, GA - Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger thanked the Georgia General Assembly on Wednesday, applauding President Pro Tempore John Kennedy and Representative Dale Washburn for supporting robust protections for Georgia consumers. SB412 passed the House of Representatives, marking a significant step in ensuring accountability for charitable organizations and related entities in Georgia. SB412 raises fines and penalties against fraudulent non-profit organizations and prevents scam charities from preying upon Georgians, fleecing them of hard-earned finances.
With the passage of SB412, organizations conducting fraudulent solicitations in violation of the Charitable Solicitations Act will now face penalties of up to $100,000, a significant increase from the previous threshold of $500. This action ensures greater accountability and trust between non-profit organizations and the people of Georgia, taking significant steps to protect Georgians.
“We will now have even greater tools to protect Georgians,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “I appreciate President Pro Tempore Kennedy and Representative Washburn for their crucial advocacy for Georgia consumers. This legislation will throw the book at charity fraud, and builds trust among the honest non-profits that serve the public.”
This legislation improves the ability of the Charities Division of the Secretary of State’s office to enforce current law, putting fraudsters on notice. Secretary Raffensperger emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust in Georgia's charitable sector. As Georgia's Secretary of State, Raffensperger reaffirms his commitment to supporting initiatives that uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in our state's non-profit sector.
“This is a great day for the non-profit organizations that serve our state with the highest ethical standards,” said Raffensperger. “Scam artists are on notice.”
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