GA HB527

Shifts child abuse protocol committees from county-level to judicial circuit-level organization, with the chief juvenile court judge serving as chairperson instead of an elected committee member

Expands required committee membership to include sexual assault center directors, forensic medical examiners, court appointed special advocate representatives, and school police department members

Changes protocol filing requirements from the Division of Family and Children Services and Office of the Child Advocate to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which must publish a dedicated email address for submissions

Reduces required committee meetings from semiannually to annually, with updated protocols due by July 1 (changed from September 1) and annual compliance certifications due by December 31

Authorizes chief superior court judges to issue orders compelling agency participation on protocol committees, with noncompliance punishable as contempt of court, and requires notification to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, and Chief Justice of noncompliant circuits