Bill > SB8

This bill clarifies and expands the procedures for juvenile courts when acting as courts of inquiry, focusing on arrest warrant requirements and jurisdictional powers. Specifically, the bill adds new provisions that allow arrest warrants issued by juvenile courts to be valid across any county, even if the alleged crime occurred in a different county, and mandates that such warrants must include specific information as outlined in existing state law. The bill also explicitly confirms that district attorneys and solicitors-general retain their full authority to represent the state in criminal cases when a juvenile court is conducting an inquiry, regardless of whether the case involves a felony or misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill updates existing statutes to formally recognize juvenile court judges as having the same warrant-issuing and court of inquiry powers as other judicial officers, such as superior court, state court, and magistrate court judges. These changes aim to standardize and clarify judicial procedures, particularly in cases involving individuals 17 years of age or older, by ensuring consistent and clear protocols for courts of inquiry and arrest warrant issuance.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69327