Georgia bill establishes adult charges for minors in school terroristic acts

The Judiciary Non-Civil Hong Subcommittee of Georgia convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant legislative changes aimed at enhancing school safety and addressing youth crime. Central to the discussions was Senate Bill 61, which introduces new legal measures concerning terroristic threats and acts against schools.

One of the key provisions of the bill establishes two new crimes: making a terroristic threat against a school and committing a terrorist act against a school. Notably, the legislation allows minors to be charged as adults in superior court for these terroristic acts, although threats will still be handled within the juvenile system. This change aims to address concerns raised by law enforcement regarding the handling of serious offenses involving minors.

The bill also expands the jurisdiction of superior courts to include cases involving criminal conspiracies and contempts related to serious offenses such as murder and aggravated child molestation. This shift is intended to streamline the judicial process for severe crimes.

Another significant aspect of the bill mandates that the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Department of Human Services (DHS), and Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) must notify public schools when a child under their supervision is placed under electronic monitoring, home confinement, or an intensive supervision program. This requirement responds to feedback from schools and law enforcement about the need for clearer communication regarding the status of these children.

Additionally, the bill introduces an annual site threat assessment that local schools must conduct in partnership with law enforcement. This assessment aims to identify and address security vulnerabilities within schools, fostering better collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies.

The discussions also highlighted concerns about the implications of charging minors as adults, with some committee members questioning the appropriateness of this approach given the developmental differences between younger and older adolescents. The bill's proponents emphasized the need for these measures in light of recent incidents and the desire for a more effective response to threats against school safety.

Overall, Senate Bill 61 represents a comprehensive effort to enhance school security and improve communication between schools and law enforcement, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing youth-related crime in Georgia. The subcommittee's discussions underscored the importance of balancing accountability with the developmental needs of young individuals as the legislation moves forward.