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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Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her bid for Georgia governor in May. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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