House Bill 153

Chair's Name: Wendell Willard

Committee: Judiciary Civil

House Sponsor: Barry Loudermilk

HB 153 adds a new subsection which requires notice to be given before DFCS changes a child�s placement and allows a child (14 years or older), parent, guardian, other custodian or attorney of record to request a hearing to allow the court to review the change and how it affects the child�s case plan or permanency plan. The bill also allows a juvenile court judge to determine whether related cases will be conducted by a juvenile court judge or an associate juvenile court judge

This committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Judiciary Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Willard's opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

HB153 defines the jurisdiction of juvenile court in cases of children under the control of DFACS.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

A Georgia Supreme Court case that limited the ability of judges to ensure the well being of deprived children in placement matters.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Strengthens our Traditional Family Structure: 

Gives children the advantage of due diligence and due process in home placements.

Senate Changes:

The Senate made minor changes to the House language to provide for additional clarity. Representative Loudermilk participated in the changes and will likely move to agree.