HB 253, titled "Ethan's Law," amends Georgia child custody law to prohibit judges from ordering "family reunification treatments or services" in custody cases. The bill keeps existing authority for courts to order psychological custody evaluations or independent medical evaluations, but it draws a line against court-ordered interventions that the bill defines as family reunification treatments or services.
The bill defines that term broadly to include therapeutic interventions that require court-ordered restrictions on parent-child contact, overnight stays for a child in an out-of-state facility, hotel, motel, or camp, the use of private youth transporters or transportation agents who use force or coercion, and attendance at educational or experimental workshops. The act takes effect July 1, 2025, and repeals conflicting laws.
Impact
HB 253 would change Georgia's custody statutes in Title 19 by limiting what family courts may order in contested custody matters. It would bar courts from compelling reunification programs or similar services as part of custody proceedings, while leaving intact the ability to order custody evaluations and medical evaluations. The bill affects judges, custody evaluators, guardians ad litem, parents, and children involved in custody disputes, and it also preserves limited liability protections for court-appointed custody evaluators and guardians ad litem absent bad faith.
Sentiment
The voting record suggests broad support for the bill, with unanimous House passage on the initial vote and unanimous Senate passage by substitute, followed by strong House agreement to the Senate substitute. The lack of recorded committee testimony in the provided materials limits insight into detailed debate, but the overwhelming votes indicate the measure was generally viewed favorably across both chambers. The bill's framing as "Ethan's Law" also suggests it was presented as a child-protection measure with a strong emotional and policy appeal.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the use of court-ordered reunification therapies or services in custody cases, especially programs that may involve restricted contact between a child and parent, out-of-state placements, coercive transport practices, or experimental workshops. Supporters likely view these practices as harmful or overly coercive, while any opposition would center on concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion in difficult custody disputes or restrict tools some professionals believe can help repair parent-child relationships. The final House vote of 146-15 indicates some disagreement remained, even though the bill ultimately advanced with substantial support.
Enacts the Kayden's Law setting guidelines and training for courts, judges and other professionals who make recommendations or decisions about visitation, custody, and placement of children when there are allegations of abuse.