Georgia moves licensing of cemeteries, auctioneers, and geologists to the Secretary of State

The act transfers the Cemeterians Board's duties to the Secretary of State, repeals the board's chapter, creates an advisory group, and adds a continuity plan rule. It covers cemetery owners, preneed dealers, and customers who buy burial plots or prepaid funeral services. The advisory group has five members chosen by the Secretary of State: four registered cemetery owners and one consumer, serving four-year terms without pay. Its advice is not binding. The continuity plan must cover protecting and backing up records, alternate ways to contact lot owners and contract holders, relocation of operations, and who takes over if key people die or leave. The Secretary of State may require added information to protect buyers and trust beneficiaries and must write rules.

The act replaces the auctioneer chapter. It dissolves the commission, puts licensing under the Secretary of State, and winds down the auctioneers recovery fund. It covers auctioneers, including those who run online auctions, and people who claim money from the recovery fund. Applicants must keep an escrow or trustee account for other people's money, show proof of identity and lawful presence, and agree to a criminal background check. Licenses renew every two years and may require up to eight hours of continuing education. Unlicensed auctioneering is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. The recovery fund stays only to pay claims, up to $10,000 per transaction, from conduct before July 1, 2026. If the balance is below $10,000 at year's end it moves to the state general fund. The commission is dissolved effective July 1, 2026.

The act repeals the geologist chapter and replaces it with a new registration system run by the Secretary of State. It covers geologists who practice publicly, their subordinates, and state and local governments that hire geologists. Registration requires a geology-related bachelor's degree or equivalent coursework, at least seven years of professional geological work (with credit for study), an approved exam, good standing in other states, proof of identity, and a background check. State and local governments may contract for geological services only with registered geologists or firms that employ one. Practicing without registration is a misdemeanor.

The act repeals the hearing aid dealer chapter and adds the Georgia Hearing Aid Dispensers Act under the speech and audiology board. It covers people who sell, fit, or program prescription hearing aids and their customers. Over-the-counter hearing aids are not covered. Existing licenses and permits stay valid. Dispensers need a license, with an apprentice permit route; they must pass a national exam and a Georgia law exam, show fitting skills, and pass a background check. Sellers must give a receipt with set details, including a refund or final-sale statement, and keep a copy for six years. Selling without a license is a misdemeanor, and the board can fine a dispenser up to $10,000 per violation. The board changes take effect July 1, 2026; licenses last two years with 20 hours of continuing education to renew.