SR 564: Georgia Independent College Association; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate honoring the Georgia Independent College Association (GICA), a group representing the state's private, not-for-profit colleges and universities. It does not change any Georgia law. The text describes GICA's 24 member colleges, which enroll more than 75,000 students, and highlights the association's work with the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia on workforce development, its scholarship programs, and its support for state-funded aid like the HOPE Private Scholarship and the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy for distribution to GICA as a formal token of recognition. It carries no funding, penalties, or regulatory changes and has no effective date requirements beyond its adoption.

• Formally states the Senate's recognition and commendation of the Georgia Independent College Association for its work in private higher education.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the association.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic statement rather than a binding policy change.

The Georgia Independent College Association and its 24 member private colleges and universities are the direct subject of this honor. It also touches students and families connected to those schools, as well as the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia mentioned as partners.

Because this is a commendatory resolution, it does not alter any policy, funding stream, or legal requirement for colleges or students. Its main effect is a formal, public acknowledgment by the Senate of the association's role in higher education and workforce development in Georgia.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe GICA's membership, scholarship awards exceeding $630,000 last year, and its advocacy for the HOPE Private Scholarship and Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant.
• The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition and appreciation of GICA's contributions to higher education in Georgia.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to GICA.

1. 2026-01-14Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2026-01-13Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Max Burns (R, SD-023)Patrocinador principal
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Jason T. Dickerson (R, SD-021)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)

• higher education
• private colleges
• Georgia Senate resolution
• scholarships
• workforce development