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HB 945

Banking and finance; holds on accounts of eligible adults for suspected financial exploitation; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Chastain and 2 co-sponsors

HB 945 authorizes temporary holds on eligible adults’ bank accounts when financial exploitation is suspected, with safeguards, procedures, and due-process protections.

Effective Date
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 945

Summary of HB 945 (Session 2025-26, Georgia)

Purpose and intent

HB 945 establishes provisions related to banking and financial matters for eligible adults when suspected financial exploitation is present. The bill aims to protect adults who may be vulnerable to financial abuse by authorizing certain holds on their bank accounts and outlining the process and criteria for imposing and lifting those holds, while balancing safeguards to protect the individuals’ access to funds and autonomy.

Key provisions and changes

  • Holds on accounts for suspected exploitation: The bill creates a mechanism to place may be placed on the accounts of eligible adults where there is a reasonable belief of financial exploitation. The hold is intended to prevent immediate dissipation of funds while a determination or investigation occurs.
  • Eligibility and scope: The protections apply to eligible adults as defined by the act. The exact criteria for eligibility are established within the statute to identify vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of exploitation.
  • Authority to place a hold: The bill designates the authority or process by which a hold can be placed on an account. This typically involves a state agency, financial institution, or designated official following specified procedures.
  • Duration and renewal of holds: There are time limits or conditions under which a hold remains in effect, including renewal procedures if exploitation concerns persist or require extended review.
  • Notification and access considerations: Provisions address who must be notified when a hold is placed and how the account holder, or their representative, can request access or challenge the hold.
  • Safeguards and due process: The measure includes protections to prevent undue hardship, such as expedited review, requirements for documentation demonstrating suspected exploitation, and steps to minimize disruption to legitimate account use.
  • Coordination with authorities: The act may provide for coordination with law enforcement, adult protective services, or other relevant agencies during investigations into exploitation.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill likely sets forth consequences for violations of the hold provisions or for misuse of the authority to place holds.

Who would be affected

  • Eligible adults suspected of financial exploitation: Primary beneficiaries who receive protections against unauthorized or harmful transactions.
  • Financial institutions and banking staff: Entities and personnel responsible for implementing holds, following procedures, and ensuring compliance with the statute.
  • ** guardians, family members, or legally authorized representatives**: Individuals who may seek to protect the account holder or access funds during the hold period, subject to the established processes.
  • State and local agencies: Agencies involved in identifying exploited individuals, facilitating holds, and coordinating investigations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path and status: The bill progressed from House first reading in January 2026 through committee reviews, passed the House (with a substitute), moved to the Senate, passed the Senate, and was returned to the House for concurrence. It passed third reading in the Senate on March 10, 2026, and was sent to the Governor on April 6, 2026.
  • Effective date: Act number 478 indicates gubernatorial approval and likely an effective date specified within the act (commencement date to be confirmed in the enrolled bill).
  • Governor’s action: The Governor signed the bill into law on May 11, 2026, finalizing its enactment.

Notable procedural details

  • The bill was introduced with a substitute and then refined through successive committee processes before final passage.
  • Co-sponsors include Bruce Williamson, Noel Williams, and Johnny Chastain, indicating bipartisan sponsorship in support of the measure.

If you’d like, I can provide a more detailed section-by-section breakdown once the final enrolled text is available, including exact definitions (e.g., of “eligible adult”), the precise process for placing and lifting holds, notice requirements, and any fiscal impact disclosures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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