House passes 'Mandy Ballenger Act' to allow some 17‑year‑olds into juvenile court

The Georgia House on Monday approved HB 10‑61, known as the Mandy Ballenger Act, a measure that will allow certain 17‑year‑olds to be processed in juvenile court instead of automatically in the adult criminal system. The bill passed by voice and recorded tally, with 155 yays and 0 nays.

Sponsor Representative Camp said the bill is aimed at balancing public safety with rehabilitation. "How should we treat 17 year olds in our justice system?" Camp asked in presenting the bill, adding that the legislation is "evidence based" and excludes "serious violent offenses" and certain repeat high‑risk offenders so that public safety remains paramount.

The bill creates an implementation structure and an organizational committee to coordinate the transition for eligible youth, Camp said. He told members that the Georgia Sheriffs' Association took a neutral position in committee while the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia expressed support during hearings.

Members asked no further substantive questions on the floor. The House adopted the committee substitute and then voted to pass the measure. The Speaker announced that the bill "therefore passed" after the clerk tallied 155 yeas and 0 nays.

The legislation’s supporters argue the change aligns Georgia with other states and with research on adolescent brain development, which they say supports a rehabilitative approach for many 17‑year‑olds. Opponents on the floor did not offer a recorded floor objection.

The next procedural steps will follow committee and enrollment processes required for enactment; no effective date was specified on the floor presentation.