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GA SB545
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/21/2024
Primary Sponsor
Ed Harbison
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AI Summary
- Amends Georgia Code Section 19-9-2 to expand the trigger for judicial review of surviving parent custody from requiring a criminal indictment to requiring only a criminal charge of murder or voluntary manslaughter of the other parent
- Grants judges discretionary authority to delay a final custody determination until after the resolution of the criminal charge against the surviving parent
- Preserves the existing general rule that upon the death of either parent, the surviving parent is entitled to custody of the child
- Retains the court's ability to exercise discretion over custody based solely on the child's best interest and welfare, upon petition by an interested party
- Lowers the procedural threshold for judicial intervention in custody cases, allowing courts to act earlier in the criminal process before a formal grand jury indictment is obtained
Legislative Description
Child Custody Proceedings; judicial discretion in determining the right of a surviving parent to custody of a child; provide
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
2/22/2024
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/22/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available