Section 50-18-28. Publisher to print and bind reports; liable for delay; opportunity to explain delay before panel

   (a) It shall be the duty of the publisher to print and bind the reports promptly within the prescribed time limit as set out in the contract.

(b) Should there be a delay in the printing or binding beyond the time set out in the contract, the reporter shall declare, upon notice to the publisher, the contract breached and the publisher shall become liable to the state for a sum to be assessed by the reporter, not exceeding $1,000.00 per week for each week that the delay continues. If the delay is flagrant or continued more than 60 days, the reporter may declare the contract ended. The bond given by the publisher shall be liable for any sum assessed.

(c) The reporter, prior to declaring the contract breached, shall seek the advice of a panel composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, an appointee of the Governor who is not the Attorney General, the executive counsel, and the legislative counsel. The publisher shall have an opportunity to appear before this panel to explain the reasons for delay and to avoid liability for any sum which might be assessed against him. The panel can decide to provide the publisher an extended time in which to produce the reports or it may declare the publisher liable for a sum assessed by the reporter. The decision of the panel is final.

Ga. L. 1920, p. 237, § 6; Code 1933, §§ 90-211, 90-212; Code 1933, § 90-208, enacted by Ga. L. 1972, p. 460, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 426, § 1.