Senate committee approves changes in juvenile justice system

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved proposed changes to the juvenile justice system Wednesday after making some adjustments to address concerns of judges.

House Bill 242, which has passed the House, is designed to send fewer juveniles to state facilities for committing felonies and to divert kids who are not dangerous — especially so-called status offenders such as truants, runaways and the unruly — into less expensive community-based programs.

Judges were concerned about the potential cost and stress on staff regarding a requirement that a hearing be held within 24 hours of a status offender being detained just before a weekend or holiday, especially outside urban areas. The committee changed the bill to say that in those situations, a hearing must be held within 72 hours.

The committee also pushed the effective date of the proposed law from July 1 to Jan. 1.

State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

Authorities say State Rep. Sharon Henderson, while a candidate for the Georgia House in 2020, applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits under false pretenses.

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is challenging Georgia election laws he says give his Republican rival an advantage as they campaign for governor.

Firebrand state senator running for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat

State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, announced plans to seek the 14th District seat, although it wasn't clear whether he will run in a special election or in November.

The Latest

Credit: TNS

Firebrand state senator running for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child.

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.