SB 193: State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia; establish the adult workforce high school diploma program; authorize

Georgia currently has no dedicated state program helping adults ages 21 to 40 who never finished high school earn a diploma tied to workforce credentials. This bill creates that program inside the Technical College System of Georgia. The State Board would approve third-party providers, such as accredited schools or nonprofits, to run the program, and those providers would offer eligible students free assessments, remedial coursework, workforce credential training, and all classes needed for a diploma. Providers get paid per milestone, things like completing a half credit, earning an employability skills certificate, earning a workforce credential, or a full diploma, with payments capped between $275 and $1,100 depending on the milestone. Providers must keep a graduation rate of at least 50 percent and an average cost per graduate of no more than $7,500, or risk losing approval. Reporting to the legislature starts in 2027, and the whole program automatically repeals on July 1, 2031 unless renewed.

• Authorizes the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to create an adult workforce high school diploma program for residents ages 21 to 40 without a diploma.
• Sets up a yearly application process for third-party providers to be approved and listed publicly to run the program.
• Requires approved providers to offer free skill assessments, remedial classes, workforce credential programs, and all courses needed for a diploma.
• Creates a milestone-based payment system paying providers set dollar amounts, from $275 to $1,100, for specific student achievements like credits, certificates, or a diploma.
• Requires providers to maintain at least a 50 percent graduation rate and average no more than $7,500 in funding per graduate, or lose approval status.
• Sets the program to automatically end on July 1, 2031 unless the legislature acts to continue it.

Adults in Georgia between 21 and 40 who never earned a high school diploma, third-party education providers seeking state approval and funding, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and state lawmakers who will receive annual performance reports starting in 2027.

Adults without a diploma who qualify could get a no-cost path to a diploma plus job-related credentials through approved local providers, funded per milestone reached rather than a flat grant. Providers face financial and reporting accountability, and the entire program is temporary, ending in 2031 absent further legislative action.

• Code Section 20-4-170 defines key terms, including eligible student (age 21-40, Georgia resident, no diploma, prior enrollment in a Georgia school or adult education program).
• Code Section 20-4-171 authorizes the State Board to run the program and approve providers through an annual application cycle opening by August 15 and decided by September 15.
• Code Section 20-4-172 requires providers to be accredited by specific named agencies and to offer free assessments, remedial education, and all coursework needed for a diploma and workforce credentials.
• Code Section 20-4-172 sets performance standards: a graduation rate of at least 50 percent and an average cost per graduate capped at $7,500, with probation or removal for providers who fall short.
• Code Section 20-4-173 sets payment amounts per milestone, from $275 for a half credit or short workforce credential up to $1,100 for a completed diploma, disbursed monthly based on provider reports.
• Code Section 20-4-173 restricts provider funds to instruction, materials, and student support services, explicitly barring use for building or expanding physical facilities.
• Code Section 20-4-174 requires providers to report yearly to the State Board starting in 2027, and the Board to report to the Governor and legislative committees on outcomes and funding by provider.
• Code Section 20-4-175 automatically repeals the entire article on July 1, 2031.

1. 2025-07-01Effective Date
2. 2025-04-28Act 20
3. 2025-04-28Senate Date Signed by Governor (Senate)
4. 2025-04-10Senate Sent to Governor (Senate)
5. 2025-04-04Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub (Senate)
6. 2025-03-25House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (House)
7. 2025-03-25House Third Readers (House)
8. 2025-03-18House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)

• Matt Brass (R, SD-6)Primary sponsor
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-50)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-15)
• John Albers (R, SD-56)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-21)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-29)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-42)
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)

1. PassedSenate voteMarch 4, 2025

   48 yea, 0 nay (3 not voting, 5 excused)

   PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE: Senate Vote #139

2. PassedHouse voteMarch 25, 2025

   159 yea, 2 nay (12 not voting, 7 excused)

   PASSAGE: House Vote #303

3. PassedSenate voteApril 4, 2025

   50 yea, 1 nay (4 not voting, 1 excused)

   AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE: Senate Vote #474

• adult education
• high school diploma programs
• workforce training
• technical colleges
• education funding