State Representatives Esther Panitch and Karen Lupton announced on Apr. 8 the unanimous passage of House Bill 1283, which allows for the creation of Family Justice Centers in Georgia and extends the preservation period for sexual assault evidence. The legislation now awaits action by Governor Brian Kemp, who has 40 days from adjournment to sign or veto it.
The bill is significant because it aims to provide coordinated services for victims of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and related crimes. It also seeks to protect survivors’ rights by ensuring their evidence is preserved for up to ten years if they do not immediately report an assault.
Panitch said her experience working in a Domestic Violence Court early in her career shaped her understanding of the need for centralized support. “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,” Panitch said. She added that bipartisan cooperation helped incorporate Lupton’s rape kit preservation provision into HB 1283.
Under HB 1283, Family Justice Centers may be operated by nonprofit corporations designated by local governments or certified as victim service agencies by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Nonprofit partners will retain control over their records and are exempt from public records requirements solely due to co-location with government agencies. At least two seats on each center’s oversight board would be reserved for representatives elected by participating nonprofit organizations.
Lupton said she was proud of what had been accomplished: “Passing this bill helps protect sexual assault survivors and their evidence. I can’t be more grateful or proud that we’ve accomplished this for the survivors of Georgia.” Senator Randy Robertson also supported the measure: “Victims of family violence have been marginalized and left to fend for themselves in the past… This legislation brings forth the necessary tools to provide them with care and compassion needed to get them on the road of recovery.”
The new law requires centers’ staff acting within their duties—and without misconduct—to receive governmental immunity from civil liability similar to that granted government employees. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will oversee funding distribution and require annual performance reports from each center.
Burns, a Republican, was elected to represent Georgia’s 159th House District in 2005 after Ray Holland stepped down according to Wikipedia.
