State Representative Carter Barrett (R-Cumming), who chairs the House Study Committee on Affordability & Accessibility of Georgia’s Legitimation Process, and Vice Chair Teddy Reese (D-Columbus) announced that the committee has adopted its final report. The recommendations are set for consideration in the 2026 legislative session.
The committee was formed to examine ways to make Georgia’s legitimation process more affordable and accessible, especially for biological fathers with limited financial means. During three public meetings held in Atlanta, Columbus, and Augusta, members heard from families and advocates about their experiences with the legitimation system.
Representative Barrett stated, “The House Study Committee on Affordability and Accessibility of Georgia’s Legitimation Process held three public meetings across the state – conducting meetings in Atlanta, Columbus and Augusta. Over the course of these meetings, we had the opportunity to hear from families and advocates on how the legitimation process has affected them and discussed ways in which we can improve the system, while protecting Georgia’s children and families. Our goal was to develop practical recommendations that remove unnecessary barriers, strengthen parental responsibility and better support Georgia’s children, and I believe we achieved this. When we return to the Georgia Capitol in January, we will turn these recommendations into legislation for consideration by the House and Senate.”
Vice Chair Reese added, “I was proud to bring forward the resolution that created this study committee and to serve as vice chairman as we reviewed this important issue of parental rights over the last several months. Ensuring that children can build meaningful relationships with both parents requires a legal process that is fair, accessible and affordable. The study committee received invaluable testimony that will continue to guide our legislative work in the next legislative session. I think we can make positive legislative improvements to make this process more equitable and reasonable for Georgia families.”
The final recommendations include efforts such as improving efficiencies in uncontested legitimation petitions under Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 19 of O.C.G.A., considering incentives or mandates for mediation in legitimation cases, encouraging judicial circuits to establish “legitimation stations” for assistance, requiring standardized forms be published online and available at courthouses, and continued appropriations for senior judge duties to address court backlogs including legitimation petitions.
The House Study Committee on Affordability & Accessibility of Georgia’s Legitimation Process was established following passage of House Resolution 753 during the 2025 legislative session.
Burns has been serving as a Republican representative since being elected in 2005 to represent Georgia’s 159th House District after succeeding Ray Holland.
