HB 371: Quality Basic Education Act; state's maximum authorization of capital outlay funding; provide for an increase

Georgia's Quality Basic Education Act sets a maximum amount of state money that can be authorized each year for school building projects, known as capital outlay funding. This bill raises that ceiling from $300 million to $375 million annually, starting with fiscal year 2027 applications, and keeps the existing rule that funding calculations must include at least three levels below the new maximum. The bill also updates the state's common minimum facility requirements for public schools. For any new elementary school built on or after July 1, 2027 that includes a playground, the playground must meet specific accessibility and design standards, including minimum size, shading, fencing, accessible surfacing, and equipment usable by children with physical, sensory, or cognitive differences. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

• Raises the state's maximum annual authorization for school capital outlay funding from $300 million to $375 million, starting with fiscal year 2027 applications.
• Keeps the requirement that funding deliberations with the Governor and General Assembly include calculations for at least three levels below the new maximum.
• Requires playgrounds at new elementary schools built on or after July 1, 2027 to meet detailed accessibility and design standards, including size, shading, and surfacing requirements.
• Requires such playgrounds to include equipment usable by children with a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities, such as accessible swings, ramps, and communication boards.
• Reorganizes and clarifies the state's common minimum facility requirements for public school certification without changing their basic substance.

Local school systems and the State Board of Education, which oversee capital outlay funding and facility standards; school districts planning new elementary schools after July 2027; and students, including students with disabilities, who would use the newly required accessible playgrounds.

The higher funding cap could allow more state money to flow to school construction projects across Georgia in future budget years. The new playground standards mean elementary schools built after mid-2027 must design outdoor play spaces that children with disabilities can use alongside their peers.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-260 to raise the state's maximum capital outlay authorization from $300 million to $375 million annually, effective with fiscal year 2027 applications.
• Section 1 keeps the rule requiring funding calculations at three levels below the new maximum for budget deliberations with the Governor and General Assembly.
• Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-261 to restructure the common minimum facility requirements into a clearer numbered format covering fire safety, sanitation, space standards, and construction quality.
• Section 2 adds new playground design standards for elementary schools built on or after July 1, 2027, requiring at least 10,000 square feet, perimeter fencing, 20 percent shaded area, and 80 percent unitary (impact-absorbing) surfacing.
• Section 2 requires new playgrounds to include accessible equipment such as adaptive swings, wheelchair-accessible ramps and slides, sensory panels, and communication or Braille alphabet panels.
• Section 3 sets the effective date of this Act as July 1, 2025.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-05-09Effective Date 2025-07-01
2. 2025-05-09Act 85
3. 2025-05-09House Date Signed by Governor (Cámara de Representantes)
4. 2025-04-09House Sent to Governor (Cámara de Representantes)
5. 2025-04-04House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub (Cámara de Representantes)
6. 2025-04-02Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senado)
7. 2025-04-02Senate Third Read (Senado)
8. 2025-03-25Senate Read Second Time (Senado)

• John Corbett (R, HD-174)Patrocinador principal
• Rick Townsend (R, HD-179)
• Gerald Greene (R, HD-154)
• Matt Dubnik (R, HD-029)
• Chris Erwin (R, HD-032)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)

1. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes6 de marzo de 2025

   170 a favor, 2 en contra (1 sin votar, 7 ausentes)

   Passage: House Vote #261

2. AprobadaVotación: Senado2 de abril de 2025

   50 a favor, 4 en contra (2 sin votar, 0 ausentes)

   Passage By Substitute: Senate Vote #396

3. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes4 de abril de 2025

   168 a favor, 3 en contra (2 sin votar, 7 ausentes)

   Agree To Senate Substitute: House Vote #422

• school construction funding
• education funding
• playground accessibility
• Quality Basic Education Act
• school facilities