(a) It shall be unlawful for anyone other than a duly licensed attorney who is an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia and who is not a member of the General Assembly to accept a fee, money, or other remuneration, other than actual expenses, for contacting, in any manner, the commissioner, any employee of the department, or any member of the board in an attempt to influence the commissioner, employee, or board member concerning a transfer of an inmate from one correctional institution to another or concerning the status and assignment of an inmate within a correctional institution.

(b) Any person who receives any fee, money, or other remuneration other than actual expenses, in violation of subsection (a) of this Code section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.