COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS

Chairman Mandi Ballinger of HB 440 is a strong advocate for this bill. I had the chance to meet Chairman Ballinger at "Raise the Age." day at the Capitol and sat in on the hearing she held on Feb. 18th . Chairman Ballinger is passionate about this bill. She firmly believes that 17-year-olds should not be prosecuted in superior courts and placed in adult systems. She stated that research has shown that when youth are placed in prison at 17 instead of the juvenile system, it increases adverse outcomes. Statistics have shown that these minors have a high chance of recidivating once they are released-worsening public safety. She believed that the bill would get passed on the floor this session; however, it passed in the juvenile Justice committee, but the bill did not make it to the floor as of yet. Chairman Ballinger plans to push strongly to get the bill on the floor during the next legislative session. 

I had the opportunity to meet House Rep. Pamela on February 18th at the State Capitol. Rep. Dickerson is a member of the GA House of Representative, District 113. She is in supporter of this bill. She feels that this will give youth a second chance. This will also help those 17-year-olds receive the proper services they need to become productive citizens in our communities. Ms. Dickerson also serves on the Juvenile Justice Committee for the Georgia House of Representatives. 

Rep. Able Mable Thomas of District 56, supports bill HB440. She feels that is ridiculous to not vote for it. This bill will help youth to get the help they need. Putting these youth at 17 in the adult system is not only hurting youth, but it is also affecting our economic system. It decreases their chances of being able to get a decent job in the workforce when the odds are already against them.  

Director of State Government Affairs, Marc Hyden supports HB 440. He believes that the court jurisdiction should be changed; juvenile courts should include children who are under the age of 18. In other facets of government, the youth are viewed as an adult at age 18 or 21. For example, they can't get their driver's license, buy alcoholic beverages, or vote before the age of 18. Research has shown us that the human brain is not fully developed until after 25. By trying them as adults at 17, and having a criminal record prevents them from being able to get a decent job. These youth should be tried as a youth and not as an adult.