Section 50-17-1. Use of facsimile signatures on public securities authorized

   (a) Public securities authorized to be issued and delivered at any one time may be executed with an engraved, imprinted, stamped, or otherwise reproduced facsimile of any signature, seal, or other means of authentication, certification, or endorsement required or permitted to be recorded thereon if so authorized by the board, body, or officer empowered by law to authorize the issuance of such securities. In addition to the foregoing, the clerk of the superior court of each county of this state may authorize the execution of any public securities, as defined in subsection (b) of this Code section, requiring or permitting his signature, with an engraved, imprinted, stamped, or otherwise reproduced facsimile of such signature and with an engraved, imprinted, stamped, or otherwise reproduced facsimile of the seal of the superior court of which he is clerk.

(b) The term "public securities," as used in this Code section, means bonds, notes, or other obligations for the payment of money issued by this state, by its political subdivisions, or by any department, agency, or other instrumentality of this state or any of its political subdivisions.

(c) This Code section shall be permissive only and shall in no instance be mandatory.

Ga. L. 1958, p. 689, §§ 1-3; Ga. L. 1977, p. 633, § 1; Ga. L. 1983, p. 839, § 3.