All Roll Calls
Yes: 218 • No: 0
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), Jason T. Dickerson (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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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Doctors must notify parents and courts
When a doctor holds a child in temporary protective custody, the doctor must quickly tell the parents or guardian where the child is. The doctor must also tell them they can get an independent medical exam or a pediatric specialist review. The doctor must report the suspected abuse or neglect to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and explain the facts, including any exam and records reviewed, and that the child is being held. Within 24 hours, the doctor must either alert a juvenile court intake officer that the child is in imminent danger, or call law enforcement so the child is promptly brought to intake.
Parents can get independent medical exams
If your child is taken into temporary protective custody, you can get an independent medical exam or a pediatric specialist consultation. You usually pay for it unless a court orders otherwise. Doctors, medical staff, law enforcement, and DFCS must reasonably help make the exam or consultation happen. In dependency hearings, the court must consider the results. A pediatric specialist must be a Georgia-licensed, board-certified pediatric doctor in the right field, like radiology, genetics, orthopedics, child abuse pediatrics, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, surgery, endocrinology, or forensic pathology. They review conditions that can look like abuse, such as rickets, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, or vitamin D deficiency.
No delays for missing medical results
A judge cannot delay an adjudication hearing just because independent medical exam or specialist results are not ready. The law bars delay for that single reason.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Jason Anavitarte
Republican • Senate
Jason T. Dickerson
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
Bill Fincher
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/2/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 163 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE
Yes: 55 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/12/2025SenateAct 121
5/12/2025Effective Date
5/12/2025Senate Sent to Governor
4/10/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
4/2/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/20/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/11/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/10/2025HouseSenate Third Read
3/6/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/6/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/4/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/3/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
2/27/2025SenateSenate Hopper
2/26/2025Senate
Bill Text
SB 259/AP* (v7)
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