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GeorgiaSB 2592025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Juvenile Code; certain procedures to be followed when there is a determination of suspected child abuse or neglect; provide

Sponsored By: Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Brandon Beach (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Kim Jackson (Democrat), Donzella James (Democrat), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Michael 'Doc' Rhett (Democrat), Randy Robertson (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican), Sam Watson (Republican), Kenya Wicks (Democrat), Rick Williams (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary JuvenileChildren and FamiliesGeneral Bill

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Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Parents get notice when doctors hold children

Georgia doctors holding a child in temporary protective custody must make reasonable, diligent efforts to notify parents, guardians, or legal custodians. They must explain where the child is and the right to an independent medical review. Doctors must report suspected abuse or neglect to Georgia's child welfare agency as soon as possible. Their report must explain their findings, whether they examined the child, which medical records they reviewed, and the temporary custody. Within 24 hours, the doctor or responsible party must contact a juvenile court intake officer about the suspected imminent danger. Alternatively, they must contact law enforcement, which must promptly present the child to that officer. These rules cover legal actions filed on or after the law's effective date: approval or becoming law without approval.

Courts review children's results without automatic delays

At hearings in Georgia child dependency cases, courts must consider any independent medical evaluation or pediatric specialist results presented for the child. These are cases about whether a child needs court protection. A covered adjudication hearing cannot be postponed solely because those results are unavailable. These rules cover legal actions filed on or after the law's effective date: approval or becoming law without approval.

Parents can seek medical reviews at cost

Parents or legal guardians of children in Georgia's temporary protective custody can get an independent medical evaluation or pediatric specialist consultation. A court order can prohibit the review, and parents or guardians must pay for it. Doctors, medical professionals, law enforcement, and Georgia's child welfare agency must cooperate as reasonably needed to help arrange it. A specialist consultation uses a Georgia-licensed, board-certified doctor in a relevant pediatric field to assess possible medical explanations for suspected abuse. These include rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, vitamin D deficiency, and related conditions. These rules cover legal actions filed on or after the law's effective date: approval or becoming law without approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Brandon Beach

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Brass

    Republican • Senate

  • Max Burns

    Republican • Senate

  • Greg Dolezal

    Republican • Senate

  • Russ Goodman

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Hodges

    Republican • Senate

  • Kim Jackson

    Democrat • Senate

  • Donzella James

    Democrat • Senate

  • Kay Kirkpatrick

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Payne

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael 'Doc' Rhett

    Democrat • Senate

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian Strickland

    Republican • Senate

  • Blake Tillery

    Republican • Senate

  • Sam Watson

    Republican • Senate

  • Kenya Wicks

    Democrat • Senate

  • Rick Williams

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Mandi Ballinger

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 0

House vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 163 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 55 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2025Senate

  2. Act 121

    5/12/2025

  3. Effective Date

    5/12/2025

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2025Senate

  5. House Third Readers

    4/2/2025House

  6. House Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2025House

  7. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/20/2025House

  8. House Second Readers

    3/11/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    3/10/2025House

  10. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read Second Time

    3/4/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/3/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/27/2025Senate

  15. Senate Hopper

    2/26/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 259/AP* (v7)

    PDF

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