State Representatives Esther Panitch and Karen Lupton announced on April 8 the final passage of House Bill 1283, which would allow for the creation of Family Justice Centers in Georgia. The bill also requires law enforcement to retain sexual assault evidence for up to ten years if a victim does not immediately report the abuse.
The legislation is intended to provide coordinated services for victims of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and related crimes. Proponents say this will help survivors access necessary support without navigating multiple agencies during difficult times.
“My first job out of law school was working for the brand-new model Domestic Violence Court in Miami-Dade, Florida,” said Panitch. “Over 30 years later, I watched a bill I authored in Georgia pass both chambers without a single opposing vote. Survivors should not have to navigate a fragmented system during the most difficult time of their lives. Family Justice Centers bring those services together so the system works for victims, not the other way around. When Rep. Karen Lupton’s rape kit preservation bill needed a vehicle, both parties in both chambers came together to make it happen. That is what this work looks like. I am grateful to the survivor community for entrusting me with it.”
Under HB 1283, Family Justice Centers could be operated by nonprofit organizations designated by local governments or certified as victim service agencies by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Nonprofit and community-based groups may serve as participating agencies within these centers alongside government partners. The bill includes provisions reserving oversight board seats for representatives from these organizations and protects nonprofit records from public disclosure solely due to co-location with government entities.
“Passing this bill helps protect sexual assault survivors and their evidence,” said Lupton. “I can’t be more grateful or proud that we’ve accomplished this for the survivors of Georgia.”
The legislation contains an amendment extending mandatory preservation of unreported sexual assault evidence from one year to ten years when victims do not immediately report incidents at collection time.
Senator Randy Robertson carried HB 1283 in the Senate after Lupton’s standalone rape kit preservation measure did not advance before Crossover Day; he worked with legislative leadership on an amendment adding evidence retention language shortly before a unanimous Senate vote sent it back to the House where it passed again on Sine Die.
“Victims of family violence have been marginalized and left to fend for themselves in the past,” said Robertson. “This legislation brings forth the necessary tools to provide them with care and compassion needed to get them on the road of recovery. It was a true honor to carry this in the Georgia State Senate.”
The bill further ensures confidentiality protections within centers unless required by law or court order and extends governmental immunity from civil liability under certain conditions for employees or volunteers acting in good faith within their duties.
Funding could come from state appropriations or federal sources administered by Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; centers may also seek independent funding streams such as private foundations or local sources while submitting annual performance reports compiled statewide each year.
House Bill 1283 now awaits action by Governor Brian Kemp who has forty days post-adjournment either sign or veto it.
