Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 1343: Georgia's Responsible Fathers Act; enact
Introduced Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1343 is a bill introduced in the Georgia House on February 17, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Georgia's Responsible Fathers Act; enact. Primary sponsor: Carter Barrett (Republican), Teddy Reese (Democratic), Jon Burns (Republican), Carolyn Hugley (Democratic), Stan Gunter (Republican), Vance Smith (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): House Second Readers.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 15 and 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the courts and domestic relations, respectively, so as to revise the definition of legal father; to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to require that licensed general hospitals and birthing centers make available a petition for legitimation education video to parents or guardians of newborn infants; to provide that a putative father may indicate on a certificate of birth that he has submitted to genetic testing to establish paternity of a child born out of wedlock; to amend Title 53 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to wills, trusts, and administration of estates, so as to provide for inheritance by legitimation in certain circumstances; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 4
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carter Barrett | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 24 |
| Teddy Reese | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 140 |
| Jon Burns | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 159 |
| Carolyn Hugley | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 141 |
| Stan Gunter | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 8 |
| Vance Smith | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 138 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- House Second Readers
- House First Readers
- House Hopper