Georgia § 16-3-22 - 1. Persons who provide assistance to law enforcement officers or the Division of Family and Children Services when the health and safety of children are adversely affected and threatened.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22 — 1. Persons who provide assistance to law enforcement officers or the Division of Family and Children Services when the health and safety of children are adversely affected and threatened., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-3-22. 1. Persons who provide assistance to law enforcement officers or the Division of Family and Children Services when the health and safety of children are adversely affected and threatened.
Any person that in good faith has possession of materials or images in violation of Article 3 of Chapter 12 of this title and immediately notifies law enforcement officials or any person that is required by Code Section 19-7-5 to report suspected child abuse, or makes such notification within 72 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe such person is in possession of such materials or images, shall be immune to the same extent as a law enforcement officer would be immune from criminal liability for such possession. The official report of the law enforcement agency or the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services shall create a rebuttable presumption of good faith and reasonableness on the part of the person that has possession. The purpose of this Code section is to provide for those persons that act in good faith to assist law enforcement officers or the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services when the health and safety of a child are being adversely affected and threatened by the conduct of another. This Code section shall be liberally construed so as to carry out the purposes thereof. (Code 1981, § 16-3-22.1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2016, p. 773, § 1/HB 905.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-3-22
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22 cover?
Section 16-3-22 ("1. Persons who provide assistance to law enforcement officers or the Division of Family and Children Services when the health and safety of children are adversely affected and threatened.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 16-3-22?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 16-3-22 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.