SR 217: Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools; create

Senate Resolution 217

By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Hickman of the 4th, Hatchett of the 50th, Robertson of the 29th, Gooch of the 51st and others

ADOPTED SENATE

A RESOLUTION

Creating the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, chronic absenteeism impacts over 21.7 percent of students in Georgia; and

WHEREAS, students who experience chronic absenteeism are more likely to fall behind in their academic work, face higher dropout rates, and struggle with long-term success in both education and future employment; and

WHEREAS, absenteeism can be caused by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, health issues, family instability, socioeconomic barriers, transportation difficulties, and school climate concerns; and

WHEREAS, addressing chronic absenteeism requires a collaborative and multifaceted approach that involves school administrators, educators, parents, policymakers, and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that early intervention and targeted support programs can significantly reduce chronic absenteeism and its negative effects; and

WHEREAS, thoughtful deliberation through communications with school administrators, educators, parents, policymakers, and community organizations will help Georgia develop the best solution to this problem faced by our students.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE:

(1) Creation of Senate study committee. There is created the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools.

(2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of six members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate. The President shall designate a member of the committee as chairperson of the committee.

(3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.

(4) Meetings. The chairperson shall call all meetings of the committee. The committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution.

(5) Allowances and funding.

(A) The legislative members of the committee shall receive the allowances provided for in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

(B) The allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received by any member of the committee for more than five days unless additional days are authorized. Funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from funds appropriated to the Senate.

(6) Report.

(A) In the event the committee adopts any specific findings or recommendations that include suggestions for proposed legislation, the chairperson shall file a report of the same prior to the date of abolishment specified in this resolution, subject to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.

(B) In the event the committee adopts a report that does not include suggestions for proposed legislation, the chairperson shall file the report, subject to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph.

(C) No report shall be filed unless the same has been approved prior to the date of abolishment specified in this resolution by majority vote of a quorum of the committee. A report so approved shall be signed by the chairperson of the committee and filed with the Secretary of the Senate.

(D) In the absence of an approved report, the chairperson may file with the Secretary of the Senate a copy of the minutes of the meetings of the committee in lieu thereof.

(7) Abolishment. The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2025.