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GeorgiaHB 14092025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Domestic relations; revise mandated reporting of child abuse

Sponsored By: Beth Camp (Republican), Katie Dempsey (Republican), Matt Hatchett (Republican), Karen Mathiak (Republican), Holt Persinger (Republican), Carmen Rice (Republican)

Vetoed

Judiciary JuvenilePublic SafetyGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Clearer reporting and review for child abuse

Beginning July 1, 2027, oral reports go to Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) or its designated child welfare agency. If neither is available, reports can go to police, military law enforcement, or a district attorney; written follow-up goes to DFCS. Agencies must review reports for child safety and abuse allegations using legal standards, not the submission method. DFCS cannot reject qualifying online reports just because they arrive online. Child welfare agencies must immediately notify police or a district attorney when they have reasonable cause to believe a report is true or contains an abuse allegation or evidence; military law enforcement must also be notified when applicable. The law expands access to relevant information, including photographs, for DFCS and law enforcement. Reports generally remain private, with narrow court-approved access for research under confidentiality protections. DFCS must begin updating its child welfare policies by January 1, 2027, and complete changes needed to match the law.

Legislature keeps broader public access exemptions

The law preserves the Georgia legislature’s exemption from specified state public-records and open-meetings laws. The exemption includes lawmakers, officers, staff, committees, commissions, and legislative offices. The new employment-settlement disclosure requirement is a specific exception, not a general opening of legislative records or meetings.

More workers must report child abuse

Beginning July 1, 2027, firefighters must report suspected child abuse or neglect when they have reasonable cause while working officially. Animal service workers are covered when their duties may expose them to children or household signs of abuse or neglect. Clergy must report information learned outside confidential communications, but disclosures made solely in confession remain exempt. The law also preserves the exemption for treating children through prayer alone. People who report, gather information, or help create reports in good faith receive protection from civil and criminal liability.

Public gets lawmakers’ employment settlement records

Effective upon the Governor’s signature, the law requires public access to documents settling all or part of unlawful employment-practice claims involving Georgia lawmakers. It covers claims made on or after January 1, 2019. Records must show the lawmaker’s identity but hide identifying information about claimants and other parties. House requests go to the Speaker; Senate requests go to the Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore. Responsive records must be provided within three business days. Any person or entity can seek enforcement in Superior Court against the Speaker or President Pro Tempore; the Attorney General can also enforce the law. The court must award reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs to the complainant when it finds noncompliance or litigation lacked substantial justification. Knowing and willful denial or obstruction of access can bring a misdemeanor fine or civil penalty up to $1,000 for a first violation. Each additional violation within 12 months carries a maximum of $2,500; the law provides a good-faith defense and bans destroying records to avoid disclosure.

Secure online reporting requires worker training

Beginning July 1, 2027, DFCS must offer a website and model form for secure child-abuse reports. Employers may designate one secure reporting platform and must notify DFCS at least 10 days before use, naming its provider and domains. Platforms must meet applicable federal privacy and security requirements, including relevant health, education, and criminal-justice standards, plus required state standards or security attestations. They must securely create and send reports, accept extra details, and allow uploads such as photographs. Users must receive reporting training from DFCS, accredited continuing education providers, or organizations with proven reporting expertise. DFCS may set learning goals but cannot require platform-specific training, exclusive training methods, or restrictions that exclude otherwise compliant platforms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Beth Camp

    Republican • House

  • Katie Dempsey

    Republican • House

  • Matt Hatchett

    Republican • House

  • Karen Mathiak

    Republican • House

  • Holt Persinger

    Republican • House

  • Carmen Rice

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 412 • No: 22

House vote • 4/3/2026

Agree to Senate Substitute

Yes: 155 • No: 12 • Other: 11

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 52 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

MOTION TO TABLE REMAINING LEGISLATION ON THE RULES CALENDAR

Yes: 39 • No: 10 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/6/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 166 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  2. Veto V7

    5/12/2026

  3. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  4. Senate Taken from Table

    4/2/2026Senate

  5. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/2/2026House

  8. Senate Tabled

    3/31/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read Second Time

    3/20/2026Senate

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Senate Read and Referred

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. House Third Readers

    3/6/2026House

  13. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2026House

  14. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/26/2026House

  15. House Second Readers

    2/25/2026House

  16. House First Readers

    2/24/2026House

  17. House Hopper

    2/20/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1409/AP* (v12)

    PDF

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