Bill > HB1061

This bill, known as the "Mandi Ballinger Act," establishes an organizational committee to study and plan for the implementation of raising the juvenile age in Georgia, meaning that 17-year-old offenders would be handled within the juvenile justice system rather than the adult criminal justice system. This 12-member committee will include leaders from various legislative committees, state agencies like the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Administrative Office of the Courts, and representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, and defense organizations. The committee is tasked with consulting experts and gathering information on best practices from other jurisdictions and national standards to develop a comprehensive report by December 1, 2027, detailing the necessary operational and statutory changes, cost estimates for facilities and staffing, and implementation timelines. The committee will begin its work no later than September 15, 2026, and will automatically cease to exist on December 31, 2027, with this specific Code section automatically repealed on January 1, 2028.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72512