Resolution would create study committee to evaluate an at‑risk populations abuse registry

Representative Hilton told the committee he is reintroducing House Resolution 816 to create a study committee that would examine whether Georgia should create a cross‑agency abuse registry for at‑risk populations, modeled on systems used in other states.

Rena Harris of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities testified in support, saying Georgia lacks a comprehensive, public registry and citing Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) data that in 2024 nine Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities died from abuse or neglect. Harris said at least two of those deaths could have been prevented if prior substantiated incidents had been visible to subsequent employers.

Harris explained Georgia's current registry is narrow, voluntary and tied to criminal convictions, allowing individuals with substantiated abuse findings but no conviction to move between jobs and settings without a flag. She urged a study committee to review models such as Tennessee's public, cross‑population registry and consider levels of infractions, due process protections, mechanisms for appeals and fiscal considerations.

Committee members asked about agency roles, DCH involvement and administrative‑hearings processes; presenters said a study committee would allow direct engagement with agencies including the Office of Administrative Hearings to resolve procedural questions before legislation is drafted.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the resolution at the hearing and requested further consultation with stakeholders.