Children and Families Committee Meeting
children families committee
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Jan 27, 2026 at 01:34 AM
Meeting Information
This meeting of the Children and Families Committee focused on legislative proposals aimed at improving services and oversight for children and families, including the expansion of an autism screening pilot program for foster care youth and updates to the Child Fatality Review Commission's procedures.
Meeting Summary
Foster Care Study Committee Update
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An update was provided on the recommendations from the foster care study committee, noting that both legislative and convening efforts are moving forward. [Video 00:02:34]
Senate Bill 402 - Autism Screening Pilot Program
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Senator Tillery introduced SB 402, proposing to expand a pilot program for autism screening in foster care, which previously found foster children are six times more likely to have autism. [Video 00:04:30]
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Dr. Zena testified on the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention for foster children with autism, highlighting improved placement stability and reduced problem behaviors. [Video 00:06:48]
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Peyton Lockwood from Autism Speaks and Kim Dean from Apollo Behavior Services and Autism Providers of Georgia supported SB 402, emphasizing the need for targeted resources and early intervention. [Video 00:15:23] [Video 00:19:52]
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The committee discussed the bill, including concerns about appropriations language and reporting timelines, ultimately passing it with amendments to ensure annual reporting by July 1, 2027, and clarifying the repeal clause. [Video 00:21:35] [Video 00:31:24] [Video 00:43:35]
Senate Bill 383 - Child Fatality Review Commission
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Senator Kirkpatrick introduced SB 383, an agency bill from the GBI, to update the Child Fatality Review Commission law, which was last updated in 1990. [Video 00:34:14]
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Ashley from GBI explained the bill's provisions, including clarifying roles, updating terminology for infant deaths (e.g., from "sudden infant death syndrome" to "sudden death when an infant is in apparent good health"), and establishing more realistic timelines for reporting without impacting families. [Video 00:35:30] [Video 00:38:26]
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The committee unanimously passed SB 383. [Video 00:39:13]
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on Jan 28, 2026
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