HR 1299: United States Department of Education; dissolve and restore educational authority to the states; express support

This resolution does not change any Georgia law or federal law by itself. It is a statement of the Georgia House of Representatives' position, expressing support for dismantling the United States Department of Education and shifting its responsibilities to other agencies at the state and federal level. The resolution lists reasons for this position, including claims that federal involvement in education has not improved student outcomes, that education is not a power the U.S. Constitution gives to the federal government, and that state and local officials are more directly accountable to parents and taxpayers. It commits House members to seek opportunities to regain control over Georgia's kindergarten through 12th grade schools, and directs the Clerk of the House to send copies to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant committee chairs for consideration in the 2026 session.

• Formally states the Georgia House of Representatives' support for dissolving the United States Department of Education.
• Encourages moving the federal department's responsibilities to other state or federal agencies seen as better suited to handle them.
• Commits House members to seek opportunities, working with federal agencies, to regain state control over Georgia's K-12 schools.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant committee chairs for the 2026 session.
• Does not amend any Georgia statute, create any new program, or carry any funding or legal penalty; it is a nonbinding expression of position.

This resolution primarily affects the political and policy stance of the Georgia House of Representatives itself. It has no direct legal effect on schools, teachers, students, or families, though it signals House members' views on federal versus state control of K-12 education policy in Georgia.

Because it is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change any law, funding, or school operations on its own. Its practical effect is to put House members on record and direct copies to state leaders, which could influence future legislation or Georgia's response to federal education policy changes.

• The whereas clauses lay out the House's reasoning, including constitutional federalism arguments and claims about stagnant academic outcomes under federal oversight.
• The first resolving clause states House members' support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and returning authority to the states.
• A second resolving clause commits members to seek cooperation with federal agencies to regain control over Georgia's K-12 schools.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and House and Senate committee chairs for the 2026 session.

1. 2026-02-12House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-10House Hopper (House)

• Will Wade (R, HD-009)Primary sponsor
• Steve Tarvin (R, HD-002)
• Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
• David Clark (R, HD-100)

• Department of Education
• federal vs state control
• K-12 education policy
• education reform