O.C.G.A. § 50-3-4.1 (2019)
Schools, institutions, and agencies authorized to display national motto and American and Georgia flags; means of acquisition
(a) Local school superintendents of the public schools in this state and the appropriate administrative officials of the various institutions and agencies of this state, provided that sufficient funds or the items themselves are available as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, are authorized to place a durable poster or framed copy representing the following which may be displayed in each public elementary and secondary school library and classroom in this state and in each public building or facility in this state which is maintained or operated by state funds:
(1) Our national motto, “In God We Trust”;
(2) A true and correct representation of the American flag, which shall be centered under the national motto; and
(3) A true and correct representation of the Georgia state flag.
(b) The copies or posters authorized by this Code section shall either be donated or shall be purchased solely with funds made available through voluntary contributions to the local school boards in the case of displays in public schools or to the Georgia Building Authority in the case of displays in state buildings and facilities.
History
Ga. L. 1982, p. 913, § 1; Code 1981, § 50-3-4.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 913, § 2.
Annotations
Editor’s notes. Ga. L. 1982, p. 913, § 3, effective April 13, 1982, not codified by the General As-
sembly, provides: “A copy of this Act shall be mailed directly to each school board in this state. A copy of this Act shall be mailed directly to each board member, school superintendent, and curriculum director of the state school system of Georgia.”
OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Constitutionality. - Provision of O.C.G.A. § 50-3-4.1 allowing display of the motto “In God We Trust” in public does not violate the separation of church and
state provisions of either the state or federal Constitutions. 2000 Op. Att’y Gen. No. 00-9.
RESEARCH REFERENCES Am. Jur. 2d. 35A Am. Jur. 2d, Flag, § 2.
C.J.S. 36A C.J.S., Flags, §§ 3, 4.