Georgia § 35-1-18 - Prohibition on minimum waiting periods for initiating missing person report.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-1-18 — Prohibition on minimum waiting periods for initiating missing person report., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-1-18. Prohibition on minimum waiting periods for initiating missing person report.
No law enforcement agency shall implement a policy or practice which mandates a minimum waiting period before initiating a missing person report with such agency; provided, however, that it shall remain within the discretion of the law enforcement agency to determine what action, if any, is required in response to such a report. (Code 1981, § 35-1-18 , enacted by Ga. L. 2014, p. 704, § 2/SB 23.) Cross references. - Kidnapping, § 16-5-40 . Immediate investigation for missing person with Alzheimer's disease, § 35-1-8 . Code Commission notes. - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2014, Code Section 35-1-18, as enacted by Ga. L. 2014, p. 742, § 1/HB 845, was redesignated as Code Section 35-1-19. Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2014, p. 704, § 1/SB 23, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Stacey Nicole English Act.' " Ga. L. 2014, p. 704, § 5/SB 23, approved by the Governor on April 24, 2014, provided that the effective date of this Code section is July 1, 2013. See Op. Att'y Gen. No. 76-76 for construction of effective date provisions that precede the date of approval by the Governor.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 35-1-18
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-1-18 cover?
Section 35-1-18 ("Prohibition on minimum waiting periods for initiating missing person report.") 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 § 35-1-18?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 35-1-18" (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 § 35-1-18 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.