GA SB177

Requires agents of hostile foreign principals and foreign-supported political organizations to register with the Georgia State Ethics Commission within 10 days of becoming an agent, with quarterly updates due January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 20

Defines "hostile foreign country" as any country designated a foreign adversary by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under 15 C.F.R. Section 7.4, and "control" as ownership of at least 20% voting interest or other means of directing an entity

Registration must include detailed disclosures of the registrant's identity, business activities, foreign principal relationships, all contributions received in the preceding 60 days, and political expenditures including campaign contributions

Civil penalties range up to $10,000 per violation, increasing to $10,000-$200,000 for willful or repeat violations; the Attorney General may bring civil actions or initiate criminal investigations

Exempts industry/trade associations, membership organizations formed before January 1, 1950, and entities covered by qualified divestitures under the federal Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act