Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 55 - GEORGIA AUCTIONEERS COMMISSION
Here’s a refined overview of Georgia’s Compilation of Rules and Regulations – Department 55, Georgia Auctioneers Commission:
📚 Structure & Chapters of Department 55
According to the Official Code and Justia, Department 55 comprises the following chapters:
55‑1: Organization
55‑2: Procedural Rules
55‑3: Application for Licensure
55‑4: Examination
55‑5: Conduct of Auctions
55‑6: Fees
55‑7: Company Registration
55‑8: Schools
55‑9: Continuing Education
55‑10: Absolute Auction (regulations.justia.com)
These chapters were enacted progressively from 1976 through 1995, with numerous amendments over the years .
🔍 Key Rules by Chapter
Chapter 55‑1: Organization
Rule 55‑1‑.01: Establishes the Commission—six members appointed by the Governor (five licensed auctioneers and one layperson); chair limited to two consecutive years (regulations.justia.com).
Chapter 55‑2: Procedural Rules
Rule 55‑2‑.01: Adopts by reference the State Examining Boards’ hearing procedures (Chaps 295‑3 – 295‑13) (rules.sos.state.ga.us).
Chapter 55‑3: Application for Licensure
Rule 55‑3‑.01: Licensing requirements for auctioneer corporations, including:
Completed notarized application
Contribution to Education, Research & Recovery Fund
Proof of compliance with Secretary of State registration (for foreign companies)
Evidence of employing licensed auctioneer(s)
Required escrow account info submitted within 30 days (rules.sos.georgia.gov, regulations.justia.com)
Additional rules cover accommodations for applicants with disabilities, provisions for military spouses, and reinstatement procedures.
Chapter 55‑4: Examination
While I didn’t locate a detailed rule document here, this chapter governs exam requirements; the Commission outlines PSI exam info on its website (rules.sos.georgia.gov, sos.ga.gov).
Chapter 55‑5: Conduct of Auctions
Defines professional responsibilities of auctioneers—e.g., requirement to keep contracts and records for at least three years (casetext.com).
Sets guidelines for fair conduct and transparent financial handling at auctions.
Chapter 55‑6: Fees
Covers licensure fees, renewals, and contributions to dedicated funds. Notable rule: 55‑6‑.01 (“Fees, expiration, late renewals”), last updated via public hearing July 2024 (sos.ga.gov).
Chapter 55‑7: Company Registration
Rule 55‑7‑.02: Supervising auctioneer must be full-time and licensed, responsible for sale management, proceeds, closing statements, and must be named in advertising (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 55‑8: Schools
Governs licensing and approval of auction schools and curricula—established 1990; specifics likely on State’s regulatory site .
Chapter 55‑9: Continuing Education
Adopted in 1992. Though Georgia’s national counterpart doesn’t require CE hours, Georgia likely mandates ongoing education to maintain licensure .
Chapter 55‑10: Absolute Auction
Defines terms and conditions for “absolute auctions” (no minimum bid or reserve), effective since February 13, 1995 (rules.sos.ga.gov).
✅ How to Access These Rules
Georgia SOS official site provides full text, forms, fee schedules, public hearing notices (e.g., July 2024 for fees) (sos.ga.gov).
Justia and LexisNexis host the latest departmental code and official regulations (sos.ga.gov).
Law.Cornell LII offers a portal to Department 55, helpful for quick chapter lookups (law.cornell.edu).
🧭 Summary
| Chapter | Topic | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 55‑1 | Organization | Commission membership & term rules |
| 55‑2 | Process/Hearings | Adopts standard procedural rules |
| 55‑3 | Licensing Requirements | Corp. licensure, funds, escrow rules |
| 55‑4 | Examination | PSI exam procedures |
| 55‑5 | Auction Conduct | Recordkeeping, process integrity |
| 55‑6 | Fees | Licensure fees, expiration & late fines |
| 55‑7 | Company Registration | Supervising auctioneer responsibilities |
| 55‑8 | Auction Schools | Licensing auction education providers |
| 55‑9 | Continuing Education | CE rules for license maintenance |
| 55‑10 | Absolute Auction | Rules for no-reserve auction sales |
RELATED Blog
0 comments