HB 725 amends O.C.G.A. § 49-5-2 relating to the agents and agencies of child abuse and deprivation records.

      Section 2 addresses definitions relating to child abuse and records.

      It adds "child advocacy center" to O.C.G.A. § 49-5-41, as persons and agencies permitted access to records. A court, by subpoena filed contemporaneously, may make records available to parties seeking to inspect records in camera, when such motion is filed and served to all parties and departments in possession of records.

      However, prior to release, the court will inspect the records in camera, and reasonably determine if access will lead to discovery of admissible evidence. An order authorizing access and disclosure shall be accompanied by a protective order to ensure the confidentiality of such records. Failure to comply with the protective order may be punished by contempt of court.