Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HB 238: Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; create and maintain an at-risk adult training course focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action May 14, 2025 · Passed

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House Bill 238 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)

By: Representatives Lumsden of the 12th, Crowe of the 118th, Hitchens of the 161st, Gunter of the 8th, and McDonald III of the 26th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

To amend Chapter 5 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Georgia Public Safety Training Center, so as to require the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to create and maintain an at-risk adult training course focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia; to provide for requirements for such course; to provide for collaborative course development with the Division of Aging Services; to provide for approval of the training program by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 5 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Georgia Public Safety Training Center, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"35-5-8.

(a) The Georgia Public Safety Training Center shall create and maintain an at-risk adult training course available to all peace officers, emergency medical personnel, and behavioral health co-responders relating to responding to at-risk adults, including those individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

(b) Such training course shall, at a minimum, provide training in:

(1) Investigating criminal violations involving benefits trafficking and related offenses;

(2) Investigating criminal violations involving the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled adult or elder person;

(3) Responding to reports of missing persons;

(4) Interacting with victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in a victim centered and trauma informed way; and

(5) Certain aspects of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and cognitive impairment, including;

(A) Instruction in interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia;

(B) Techniques for recognizing the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia;

(D) Techniques for employing alternatives to physical restraints; and

(E) Protocols for contacting caregivers when an individual with Alzheimer's disease or other form of dementia is found wandering or during an emergency situation.

(c) The training course provided for in this Code section shall be developed by the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in collaboration with the Forensic Special Initiatives Unit of the Division of Aging Services of the Department of Human Services.

(d) The number of hours and specific curriculum required for the training course provided for in this Code section shall be approved by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.