HR1299: HR1299 United States Department of Education; dissolve and restore educational authority to the states; express support

This resolution does not change Georgia law. It is a statement of the Georgia House of Representatives expressing support for eliminating the federal Department of Education and returning authority over education to the states and local communities. The resolution lists reasons for this position, including concerns about stagnant student achievement, federal spending without improved outcomes, and administrative burdens tied to federal involvement in education. The resolution states that House members affirm their responsibility to lead on education consistent with the U.S. Constitution and federalism, support efforts to dismantle the federal Department of Education, and encourage moving its responsibilities to other state or federal agencies. It also directs the Clerk of the House to send copies to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant committee chairs for consideration during the 2026 session.

• Formally states the Georgia House of Representatives' support for dissolving the United States Department of Education.
• Expresses the House's position that authority over education should return to individual states rather than the federal government.
• Encourages shifting the federal Department of Education's core duties to other state or federal agencies deemed better suited to handle them.
• States the House's intent to seek opportunities to regain control over kindergarten through grade 12 schools in Georgia.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant committee chairs.

This resolution mainly affects the Georgia General Assembly's official position and communications with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and legislative committees. It does not create binding rules for schools, teachers, students, or families, since it is a statement of support rather than a change in law.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill that changes law, it does not immediately alter how Georgia schools operate or how federal education funding works. It signals the House's policy stance and could shape future legislative or advocacy efforts regarding federal education authority.

• The whereas clauses lay out the House's rationale, including concerns about federal spending, academic performance, and administrative bureaucracy in education.
• The first resolving clause states House members' support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and returning authority to the states.
• The first resolving clause also encourages shifting the department's core responsibilities to other better-suited state or federal agencies.
• A further resolving clause expresses the House's resolve to seek opportunities to regain control over K-12 schools in Georgia.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and relevant 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)

• education policy
• federal education department
• K-12 schools
• state authority over education