HB 849 amends O.C.G.A. Title 10, relating to equal access and enjoyment of public accommodations. The general purpose of HB 849 is to provide for state-level execution of the policies embodied in 42 U.S.C. § 2000a, prohibiting against discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.

      It provides all persons full and equal enjoyment of any public accommodation without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The authority and responsibility for administering Chapter 16 of Title 10 shall be vested with the Commissioner of Equal Opportunity. 

      The bill provides for an aggrieved person to file a complaint, no later than one year after the alleged discrimination took place, to the Commissioner, who shall complete an investigation within 90 days of filing the complaint. If the Commissioner believes that a discriminatory public action has occurred, they shall issue a charge on behalf of the aggrieved person. If the Board of Commissioners of the Commission on Equal Opportunity determines that the respondent has engaged in a discriminatory public accommodations practice, they may grant relief for the aggrieved practice.