summary
Introduced
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026
04/02/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Titles 15 and 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the courts and domestic relations, respectively, so as to revise the definition of legal father; to provide for legitimation through petitioning the Department of Human Services provided genetic testing establishes paternity; to provide for exceptions; to provide for recording of such legitimations with the clerk of superior court; to provide for rules, regulations, procedures, and all applicable forms as may be necessary by the Department of Human Services; to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to require that licensed general hospitals and birthing centers make available a petition for legitimation education video to parents or guardians of newborn infants; to provide that a putative father may indicate on a certificate of birth that he has submitted to genetic testing to establish paternity of a child born out of wedlock; to amend Title 53 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wills, trusts, and administration of estates, so as to provide for inheritance by legitimation in certain circumstances; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Georgia's Responsible Fathers Act," aims to revise how paternity and legitimation are established for children born out of wedlock, thereby expanding the definition of a "legal father" and facilitating paternal rights and responsibilities. Key provisions include allowing a biological father to petition the Department of Human Services for legitimation within six months of a child's birth, provided he submits to genetic testing to establish paternity and has no disqualifying criminal convictions or protective orders against him, and that there isn't already a legal father. The bill also mandates that licensed hospitals and birthing centers provide parents with an educational video and pamphlet on the legitimation process, and allows a putative father to indicate on a birth certificate that he has initiated genetic testing for paternity. Furthermore, it clarifies that legitimation through these new provisions grants inheritance rights between the father and child, and amends existing laws to reflect these changes, including how children born out of wedlock can inherit from their fathers.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Carter Barrett (R)*,
Jon Burns (R)*,
Stan Gunter (R)*,
Carolyn Hugley (D)*,
Teddy Reese (D)*,
Vance Smith (R)*,
Last Action
House Judiciary (14:00:00 3/5/2026 132 CAP) (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73285 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/242832 |
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