This bill amends 50-27-1 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions relative to the "Lottery for Education Act”. It defines “assignee” as any person or third party other than the winner to whom any portion of a prize payable by the corporation in installment payments may be transferred or assigned pursuant to an appropriate judicial order. “Assignment” is defined as the transfer of any portion of a prize to any person or third party pursuant to an appropriate judicial order. “Assignor” is defined as any person receiving installment payments seeking to assign or transfer any portion of a prize to an assignee or any person or third party pursuant to an appropriate judicial order.

The assignor has three business days after signing the contract to cancel the assignment, the court shall issue an order approving a voluntary assignment and directing the corporation to make prize payments as a whole or in part to the assignee. Written notice of the petition and proposed assignment along with any court hearing concerning the petition and proposed assignment are to be given to the corporation’s counsel at least ten days before a court hearing. Written notice of the petition and proposed assignment and any court hearing concerning the petition and proposed assignment shall be served by certified mail to the last known address of any interested party. The corporation, not later than ten days after receiving a certified copy of a court order approving a voluntary assignment, shall send the assignor and the assignee written confirmation of the court approved assignment and the intent of the corporation to rely on the assignment in making payments to the assignee named in the order free from any attachments, garnishments, or executions. Each court order issued shall provide that any obligations of the assignor shall be satisfied out of the proceeds to be received by the assignor.