Bill
HR 428
Georgia bill creates a temporary study committee to assess affordability and accessibility of the legitimation process for unmarried fathers.
Note: The bill text provided appears to contain two distinct resolutions merged into one file. One is a Georgia House resolution creating a study committee on the legitimation process; the other is an Illinois House resolution expressing support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislative action history and sponsor lists also appear to combine material from multiple jurisdictions. Readers should verify the authoritative status of each text with the official state legislative websites. The following summarizes both embedded resolutions and the procedural information supplied.
Purpose and intent
- Establish a temporary House study committee to examine whether Georgia’s legal legitimation process (by which an unmarried biological father obtains parental rights) is affordable and accessible, and whether changes are appropriate to increase access for fathers with limited resources.
Key provisions
- Creates the House Study Committee on the Affordability and Accessibility of Georgia’s Legitimation Process.
- Composition: five members of the Georgia House of Representatives; the Speaker designates the chair.
- Duties: study conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to legitimation and recommend any action or legislation the committee deems necessary.
- Meetings: called by the chair; may meet at times/places necessary to accomplish work.
- Allowances/funding: legislative members receive allowances per O.C.G.A. §28‑1‑8; allowances limited to five days unless additional days authorized; funds from appropriations to the House.
- Reporting: if recommendations include proposed legislation, the chair shall file a report prior to abolishment; any approved report must be adopted by majority of a quorum and filed with the Clerk. In absence of an approved report, minutes may be filed.
- Abolishment: the committee is abolished on December 1, 2025.
Who is affected / potential impact
- Unmarried biological fathers in Georgia, child welfare advocates, family law practitioners, courts handling legitimation actions, and state legislators. The committee could recommend statutory or procedural reforms to reduce cost or increase awareness/access to legitimation, potentially changing filing fees, procedural assistance, notice requirements, or ancillary services.
Timeline / procedure
- Committee must complete work and (if adopted) file reports prior to December 1, 2025.
Purpose and intent
- A non‑binding, symbolic resolution expressing the Illinois House’s support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), recognizing its role in enforcing federal immigration law and cooperating with state/local law enforcement, and calling attention to threats and harassment facing ICE officers.
Key provisions (symbolic)
- States support for ICE and recognition of its role in apprehending individuals who pose threats to public safety, including those with criminal convictions.
- Expresses concern that public disclosure of ICE officers’ personal information and harassment online/in person jeopardizes officer safety.
- Notes ICE officers may use masks/face coverings for safety.
- Calls for support/protection of ICE officers while on or off duty.
- Directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Illinois Congressional Delegation and the Acting Director of ICE.
Who is affected / potential impact
- ICE officers (symbolic recognition), state and local law enforcement (encourages cooperation), and policymakers (political signaling). The resolution does not itself change law, funding, or operational authority — it is primarily a statement of support.
Procedure and status (as provided)
- Introduced: January 15, 2025.
- Actions listed include referrals to committees, readings, placement on calendars, and an entry marked “Adopted” on May 23, 2025. The top-level status provided in your request lists “Referred to Rules Committee.” Because the file appears to mix texts and actions across jurisdictions, the procedural history is inconsistent; verify current status with the official legislative clerk’s website for the relevant chamber.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
