Committee advances web‑reporting bill, DJJ notification measure and study resolution; voice votes recorded

The House Judiciary Juvenile Committee advanced three additional measures after HB 527.

HB 1409 (LC481781S) — web reporting: The bill establishes a secure web‑based reporting platform for mandated reporters with time‑stamped submissions, login credentials and online training. The sponsor said supplemental budget language provides funding; the bill keeps telephone reporting as an option but said the portal provides a clearer time stamp for tracking and response. Committee members asked whether firefighters, animal control officers and EMS providers would have access; the sponsor said the portal would be accessible via a website and that agencies could use a DFCS‑approved platform or retain phone reporting if needed. The committee voted do‑pass after confirming quorum.

LC630126S (substitute for HB 1445) — DJJ notification: Representative Townsend presented a safety‑focused bill requiring the Department of Juvenile Justice to notify local law‑enforcement partners, including sheriffs and school police, when a youth under DJJ supervision removes an ankle monitor or other detection device. Townsend said multiple sheriffs support the measure; the committee passed the substitute by voice vote.

Senate resolution (06:22) — study committee on juvenile‑care costs: The committee approved a Senate resolution creating a joint study committee to examine a reported 159% increase in juvenile‑care expenses since 2022. The resolution names legislative appointees from both chambers and lists DFACS, Department of Community Health, DJJ, DBHDD and judicial councils as stakeholders.

Votes and procedure: All three measures were approved by voice vote; the transcript records 'aye' responses and describes quorum confirmation for at least one vote but does not include roll‑call tallies.