Sen. Bill Hamrick, R-Carrollton, and others introduced a 236-page bill that proposes significant changes to Georgia's juvenile justice system.

Senate Bill 127 covers everything from termination of parental rights to mandated services and mental health issues for children.

There has been wide discussion in the General Assembly and by Gov. Nathan Deal about overhauling the criminal justice system, which costs the state more than $1 billion a year.

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Christina Mondestin, left, owner of Beni Destiné jewelry, sells a necklace at her booth at the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace's annual Small Business Saturday event, Nov. 29, 2025 (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

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