GA HB1243

Creates legal framework for "bona fide researchers" to access criminal justice data and records from Georgia state and local agencies, including information normally shielded from public disclosure

Defines bona fide researchers as individuals or organizations with institutional review board approval who agree not to identify specific individuals in publications and maintain security protocols for sensitive data

Requires custodians to share data on law enforcement stops, arrests, warrants, criminal charges, sentences, pretrial/posttrial release, probation, parole, and correctional programs upon researcher request

Mandates the Attorney General issue guidance by January 1, 2027 to help criminal justice agencies identify qualified researchers and establish data-sharing processes

Allows agencies to charge reasonable fees not exceeding actual costs for search, retrieval, and copying of requested records, with discretion to waive fees