Lt. Governor Burt Jones Protects Georgia Families; Senate Passes Children and Families Package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2024

ATLANTA | Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones’s Children and Families legislative priority package was passed by the Senate.

“My top priority is to protect Georgia families,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “This Children and Families legislative package makes great strides towards improving the welfare of children throughout our state. I want to thank Commissioner Broce, Chairwoman Kirkpatrick, and members of the Children and Families Committee for their leadership on these vitally important issues. We will continue to prioritize efforts to protect the next generation of Georgians and encourage the House to do the same.”

Senate Bill 376 – Improves timely permanent placement of a child removed from his or her home by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Sponsored by Senator Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia).

Senate Bill 387 – Provides for the free issuance of a state identification card for children ages 14 to 17 who do not have an address of residence or who are in the legal custody of the Division of Family and Children Services. Sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta).

Senate Bill 401 – Provides for data collection by juvenile courts in cases in which a child who is alleged or adjudicated to be dependent is placed in foster care and provides that a petition to terminate parental rights shall be made, verified, and immediately filed and docketed without delay when presented to the clerk of the juvenile court. Sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta).

Senate Bill 483 – Enables Georgia to enter into the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children. Sponsored by Senator Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia).

Senate Resolution 471 – Creates a Senate Study Committee on Affordable Childcare. Sponsored by Senator John Albers (R – Roswell).

Senate Resolution 474 – Highlights the availability of federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to support local programs offering quality legal representation (QLR) in cases involving child welfare and protection. Sponsored by Senator Ben Watson (R – Savannah).