--- title: Senate Higher Education Committee, March 17, 2026 collection: meetings id: 2026-03-17/senate-higher-education cite_as: Senate Higher Education Committee, March 17, 2026, video https://vimeo.com/1174496983 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1174496983 date: 2026-03-17 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-insurance-and-labor.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-government-oversight.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate Higher Education Committee body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-higher-education.md meeting_kind: committee session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-03-17T15:00:00-04:00 location: 307 CLOB duration_seconds: 4736.0 video_id: 1174496983 video_title: 03/17/2026 Senate Committee on Higher Education agenda_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HEDAgenda3.17.26.pdf bills_discussed: - HB 1413 - HB 541 - HB 1328 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 435 transcript_chars: 76726 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education.md?start=59495 --- # Senate Higher Education Committee, March 17, 2026 Senate Higher Education Committee; March 17, 2026; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1174496983. Agenda: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HEDAgenda3.17.26.pdf. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The committee approved [HB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb541), which would expand tuition equalization grant eligibility for a nursing program, and voted in favor of [HB 1328](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1328), which would expand military scholarship opportunities at the University of North Georgia. The committee held a hearing without a vote on [HB 1413](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1413), covering needs-based student aid, lottery reserve calculations and proposed medical scholarships tied to practicing in Georgia. A private-college representative requested broader eligibility for the needs-based aid. The chair scheduled further discussion for March 24, including an opportunity for Morehouse School of Medicine to testify. ## Bills discussed (3) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### HB 1413. Georgia Student Finance Authority; establish a needs based scholarship program for students at eligible public and private postsecondary institutions [HB 1413](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1413) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:25:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1514s), turns 4 to 433. The sponsor said [HB 1413](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1413) would provide undergraduates at public universities and technical colleges up to $3,000 annually for unmet financial need, with a 2.0 GPA, financial-literacy instruction and flexible work or service requirements. The sponsor described $25 million for the first two years and a $300 million endowment. Asked about award increases and qualifying activities, the sponsor said lawmakers could revisit amounts and institutions would have flexibility. A Georgia Student Finance Commission representative said campuses would select recipients and suggested tracking financial-literacy completion through GA Futures. The sponsor said the substitute would base lottery reserves on average expenditures rather than revenue, retaining the 50% requirement. A Georgia Independent College Association witness requested private-college eligibility, estimating those students would receive 11% of funding if allocated by Pell enrollment. The sponsor also outlined full-cost medical scholarships for up to eight semesters at the University System of Georgia Medical School, requiring four years of Georgia practice after residency. Asked about funding, the sponsor said an appropriation would be needed and none was in the current budget. The chair deferred Morehouse School of Medicine testimony and scheduled further discussion for March 24. No vote was taken. ### HB 541. Education; tuition equalization grants; expand definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing [HB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb541) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:44:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2681s), turns 164 to 204. The sponsor said [HB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb541) would expand tuition equalization grant eligibility through provisions narrowly tailored to Chamberlain's nursing program. The sponsor described a year-round, three-year bachelor's program serving many parents and students entering a second career. The sponsor said qualifying schools must have a physical campus and at least an 80% licensing-exam passage rate. Citing a projected shortage of 25,000 registered nurses in 2038, the sponsor argued the grants would support nurse training and ease students' household and transportation costs. The sponsor said Chamberlain had more than 400 licensing-exam candidates in 2024 and 331 in 2025. No substantive questions or amendments were offered. The committee unanimously recommended passage. ### HB 1328. University of North Georgia military scholarships; authorize selection committee to select additional scholarship recipients [HB 1328](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1328) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:48:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2909s), turns 207 to 317. The presenting legislator said [HB 1328](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1328) would increase University of North Georgia military scholarships and allow unused congressional-district allocations to be transferred. The presenter described full scholarships carrying a four-year Georgia National Guard service obligation and said 42 recipients are currently selected annually. One member asked about legislative nominations and outreach. The presenter said the process had not changed and offered to improve information for legislators, including during orientation. A second member questioned whether language allowing six to ten nominees per district could cause problems when fewer apply. The university president said similar limits already exist and statewide applicants exceed available scholarships, with a waiting list. The president said the university commissions 60% of Georgia National Guard officers and aims to grow its corps to 1,000 cadets. A National Guard detachment commander and former recipient said the scholarship made college possible and led to military and emergency-response service. A corps recruiting officer also supported the program's role in expanding access to college. The committee voted in favor of a do-pass motion. The chair counted four hands before acknowledging additional members, without stating a final tally. > The transcript runs 76,726 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 2 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-17/senate-higher-education.md?start=59495. ## Transcript (435 turns) [0:24:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1458s) It's an honor to be here. After where I came from, it's a pleasure to be here. Uh, no, it was a, it was a good, good House meeting, and I appreciate the House, uh, working with me on another bill. But, uh, we're, we're here today to deal with higher education in the Georgia Senate. And I note the presence of a quorum, so I'm gonna ask, uh, Senator Howard if he would open us up in a word of prayer. [0:24:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1486s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let us, let us pray. Uh, Lord God, we come to you. I'm just praying for wisdom, praying for understanding, and, uh, selflessness. Uh, help us to be others-focused in everything that we do. In Jesus' name, amen. [0:25:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1500s) Amen. [0:25:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1500s) Amen. [0:25:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1500s) And thank you. Um, we've got three bills we're gonna consider today, uh, at, at, at deference, I apologize to the other authors. Uh, at deference to Chairman Martin, he has, uh, House Bill 1513, 1413. If you would come, Mr. Chairman. Now, this is, this is the DREAMS Scholarship operationalization. We're trying to figure out how to make this work effectively for Georgians. I appreciate the chairman's leadership in this area. [0:25:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1531s) And what this is a hearing only for House Bill 1413. We're gonna work through it, make sure the committee understands it, and then we're gonna, uh, bring it back up pretty quick 'cause we're gonna make sure this thing, uh, uh, gets implemented this cycle. So, Mr. Chairman, if you would. [0:25:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1546s) Yes, sir, Mr. Chair. [0:25:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1546s) Share your bill. [0:25:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1547s) Ye- yes, sir. I don't know if I have to press a button. Um, I, I have a, um, I have two actual versions. I, I think we sent over a sub to your office, Mr. Chairman. I don't know if it's the- [0:25:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1559s) I believe we're working from LC61-0470S. Is that correct? [0:26:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1564s) Okay. That, that is, that is at the as passed. The, the, uh, the substitute, um, I can speak to 478. It's exactly the same. There was a section added in your substitute that de- dealt with correcting the reserve, uh, language that we h- discussed earlier. So I'm happy to work with 407S. [0:26:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1582s) Let me see. [0:26:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1582s) It's the exact same bill, uh, with the, with the section added. Um, so just, uh, tell me which one you want me to open. [0:26:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1589s) Yeah, bear with us just one minute. Uh, the, uh, the folders, the, uh, the, does committee members have the correct version? [0:26:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1595s) Yes. [0:26:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1595s) So I'm looking at 610481S. Is that correct? [0:26:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1599s) Yes, sir. [0:26:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1599s) All right. [0:26:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1599s) That is the most up-to-date version. [0:26:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1601s) Thank you. Thank you. [0:26:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1601s) And, and again, I apologize to the committee members if y'all have been looking at it online. The only difference in this bill is, is the preamble, the description, uh, that, that notes the, the additional section, Section 3. And, and if I can, Mr. Chairman, let me do that one ba- Let me just do that first. In, in, uh, Section 3, right now the lottery reserve is, is computed off the revenue stream. It's the average of the last three year's revenue into the lottery. When you're keeping a reserve or an emergency fund, most people will tell you to keep three months. Personally, they'll tell you keep three months of your expenses, not three months of your income. [0:27:13](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1633s) So what we're seeking to do in Section 3 is to do, uh, an average of three years of the lottery expenditures. Uh, that doesn't really affect anything now because revenues and expenditures are about the same thing. But going forward in the future, it'll make the, uh, lottery reserve more sustainable. Uh, so that's what Section 3, uh, that's the only addition into, into Section 3. So with that, um... Yes, sir? [0:27:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1655s) Uh, y- just I, I appreciate that, and, and the chairman and I have had conversations. Is there any, any... Let's deal with this from a question standpoint. Do you have any questions on Section 3? 'Cause it's, it's rather an independent component of this bill. Is that not true? [0:27:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1667s) Y- yes, yes, sir. That's, that's Section 3 is... And, and you can, uh, you can see just on lines 214, it changes net deposit, uh, net proceeds deposited to base lottery spend. And then, uh, Sections 203, uh, to 210 defines what that base lottery spend is so that we make sure we don't take the extra money that's, uh, sp- expended, uh, on, on an annual basis for the reserve amount. We don't wanna add that into the base spend. [0:28:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1692s) I think the only question I have is, uh, conversations with GCS, uh, Georgia Student Finance? [0:28:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1697s) Yes, sir. [0:28:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1697s) Okay. And, and they're, they're comfortable with this? [0:28:19](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1699s) They, they have looked at it, yes. And, and we've also had, um, Chris Dunn over at OPB look at it just from the standpoint of, of cash management and treasury. [0:28:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1707s) I, I assume that, uh, yes. [0:28:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1709s) They're, they, yeah, yes they are. [0:28:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1711s) They're, they're probably in the room. [0:28:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1712s) Mr. Green is back here. Yes, sir. [0:28:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1713s) Okay. Very good. Any other, any other comments or questions about Section 3, really? I just wanna dispense with Section 3 so we can focus on, uh, DREAMS. [0:28:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1721s) Oh. [0:28:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1722s) Uh, madam- [0:28:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1722s) Thank you. [0:28:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1723s) Uh, madam- [0:28:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1724s) Chairman. I really appreciate, we've been, we've had a chance to speak before the meeting to the, to the author of the bill. [0:28:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1730s) If you would speak in the microphone, please. [0:28:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1732s) Thank you. Great reminder. I, I just, uh, thank you for recognizing me. And I wa- wanna appreciate Chairman Martin for the extensive work that's been done, uh, along with, uh, his House colleagues to, to step into this space. And this is an essential bill that we've got here to m- uh, ma- m- sync up with the, um, uh, appropriation that the go- that the governor put in in the amended budget. Uh, a- a- and the minimum reserve li- on line 215- [0:29:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1762s) Yeah. W- w- yeah [0:29:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1764s) ... was what I wanted to, uh... Th- th- that's, th- that's new language that we're gonna operate with, isn't that, isn't that right, Mr. Chairman? [0:29:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1773s) Actually, that's, that's current language, is it not, Mr. Chairman? [0:29:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1775s) Yeah. [0:29:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1775s) Oh, oh, base lottery spend from is- [0:29:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1777s) Right. The ba- [0:29:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1778s) Base lottery [0:29:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1778s) ... the base lottery spend is the new de- [0:29:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1779s) Uh-huh. [0:29:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1779s) Yeah [0:29:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1779s) ... we're, we're doing it off the amount we're spending on the aver- the past three years- [0:29:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1783s) Mm-hmm [0:29:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1783s) ... instead of the amount that comes in. [0:29:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1785s) Mm-hmm. [0:29:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1785s) Because if, if we used it on revenue and revenue started going down, then the reserve requirement would go down. [0:29:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1790s) Mm-hmm. [0:29:51](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1791s) And, and that's not what we want to happen. The reserve wants to be robust when, when revenues are, are sinking so that we protect the expenditures for the base lottery amount. [0:29:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1799s) Thank you, Mr. Chair. [0:29:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1799s) Yes, ma'am. And the amount stays the same. The amount stays at 50% where, where it has been. We're not increasing the reserve, uh, but we're just maintaining it. [0:30:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1807s) Thank you. [0:30:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1807s) Senator Hickman. [0:30:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1808s) Yeah. Thank you, m- thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, the reserve, is this based upon the, the 350 million is, or 325 million, or, or is this- [0:30:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1818s) N- no, sir. Th- this is the, the- [0:30:20](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1820s) No [0:30:20](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1820s) ... uh, money, all the monies that are in the current lottery. That's why- [0:30:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1823s) This is lottery reserves for- [0:30:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1824s) Oh, this is... Okay. Oh, this- [0:30:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1825s) Yeah, I, I wanna- [0:30:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1827s) This is the HOPE lottery. [0:30:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1827s) This is HOPE lottery funds. [0:30:28](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1828s) Okay. This is outside of DREAM. [0:30:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1829s) This is not DREAM's endowment. [0:30:30](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1830s) Okay. I'm sorry. [0:30:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1831s) Okay? [0:30:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1831s) Yes. Yeah. [0:30:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1831s) So- [0:30:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1831s) Okay, okay [0:30:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1832s) ... let's clarify that. Th- [0:30:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1833s) That makes- [0:30:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1833s) Section three is, is HOPE reserves. [0:30:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1835s) I gotcha. Well, thank you, sir. Appreciate it. [0:30:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1837s) Thank you. [0:30:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1837s) Thank you. And that, that was just language that in the past we've been sa- Yeah, we've been doing the reserve off revenue instead of, uh, expenditure and, and we just took this opportunity to, to correct that. Thank you. Yes, sir. [0:30:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1847s) Thank you. So le- let's go back to, uh, the, the core bill that deals with dreams in section one. [0:30:53](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1853s) Yes, yes, sir. Um, and I can go through, uh, you know, section by section or you, you, you all, you all have been here a, a minute so, uh, we just have the, the definitions put in. Um, the, the goal of the bill is to provide the, the needs-based financial aid to students to, to fill the un- unmet financial gap at the University of Georgia System institutions and the Technical College System of, uh, Georgia. Um, the HOPE residency requirements are in place here the same as they are for, for HOPE. That is the eligibility requirements. [0:31:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1885s) One does not have to have the 3.0 to get this. There's a gr- there's a grade point average, uh, requirement in here, but one has to be eligible to have gotten HOPE. That's, that's how the, the first step for eligibility here. You have to complete a FAFSA. You have to un- uh, enroll in an undergraduate program for six hours. You can't have already had a bachelor's degree and you dem- demonstrate to your financial office at your institution the unmet financial need. Uh, going, uh, down further in the bill, you, uh, maintain an eligibility of 2.0 and sa- satisfactory academic progress. [0:31:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1919s) Um, this committee has heard before, and I'll just make slight reference to the completion grant that we have, uh, started and patterned after the, uh, Panther Grant at Georgia State University. If the committee will recall, we've, uh, changed that and, and, uh, right-sized that to the Technical College System and two-year programs over the past years. That program has about a 95% success rate. 95% of the do- of the money that's being spent, those hours are passed, completed toward certificates, degrees, uh, in those programs. So what we wanna do here with this program is maintain that average, maintain that, uh, progress so that we get people to the finish line. [0:32:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1955s) Uh, so that's the eligibility requirements. The award amount is up to $3,000 per academic year, not to exceed the unmet financial need. Again, that would be determined at the financial office with, uh, the student on-site. Uh, maximum duration is eight semesters or 12 quarters. Um, we've had some discussion about, you know, should that be more or less. I think we're trying to, uh, move the students on through the process. Um, you might note, um, you may or may not have seen in the earlier, the originally introduced bill, uh, but there was a change made in the House that we removed the exclusion of summer semester. [0:33:10](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=1990s) Um, at first it was only gonna be allowed in fall and summer, so the fall and spring semesters. We've removed that exclusion of summer because the, the, the $3,000 is a limitation. The student can use it as it best fits, fits their need and the financial office agrees to that. Um, the student responsibility, um, i- in, in our committee it was questions, but to complete a financial literacy course. This is not to be burdensome to the student. This is trying to help the student out. Right? We wanna make sure as we, we help them with the unmet financial need, that they, they have the knowledge of, of finances. [0:33:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2024s) I think we would all be surprised, um, kids grow up fast now and, and they, they're out in the, the world and they, they don't really realize, you know, if money's available to them in the form of a loan or something, that, that, that can get them upside down very fast. So- [0:33:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2036s) Mm-hmm [0:33:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2037s) ... um, that, that program will be offered. Uh, Mr. Green can probably speak to, um, how they could source that program and, and work with the university system at TCSG to do that. Um, the work requirement. Participate in a part-time, uh, work or service, and this could be an employment, it could be an internship, volunteer services, or military services. The idea here is to have the student engaged to feel, um, you know, an ownership in, in, into the, the, the program and in- into the scholarship. It, it is intentionally left, um, flexible so that again, the, the financial aid office at the university or at the technical college can work with the student to, to have a success. [0:34:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2075s) We, we want this to succeed. We want the program to succeed, and the way that happens is for each individual student to, to succeed. Um, the, the endowment is set up, as you're aware, in, uh, two, two grants. One is, uh, $25 million, and that'll cover the first two years. And then a $3 million, I'm sorry, $300 million- [0:34:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2095s) Million [0:34:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2096s) ... uh, endowment. And the, the bill speaks to, in, let me get over to the lines, in s- [0:35:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2107s) It all runs together after a while. Um, i- in, in li- starting in line 76, the, the endowment fund- [0:35:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2114s) Mm [0:35:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2114s) ... is set up in three accounts. It's set up in a principal account, a scholarship account, and a transitional account. The principal account is where the 300 million would live. The scholarship amount after years, um, one and two would be the, the money that is, uh, moved into from the principal account, the investment earnings, uh, as determined by the board to pay for scholarships from, and the, uh, transitional account is where the $25 million would live and fund the scholarship for the first two years. Um, the investment, you know, um, of these funds follows the, the prudent, uh, investment standards that we use in Treasury in the State of Georgia, provides emergency access to the principal, but only with a two-third vote of the, uh, GSFA board, and the principal amount must be replenished if, if it's used in an emergent manner. [0:36:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2163s) Um, that is, uh, the first section of the bill, uh, that deals with the DREAM Scholarship. Mr. Chairman, if you please, if we, we have a, a second section that, um- [0:36:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2172s) Yeah, let's- [0:36:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2172s) ... deals with the medical school service scholarship, but, uh, I'll stop at this time and answer questions for the DREAM portion. [0:36:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2177s) Let's, uh, thank you. I appreciate it. Appreciate the chairman. Uh, I think we should take it section by section- [0:36:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2181s) Yes, sir [0:36:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2181s) ... because they are three pretty much independent, um, uh, discussions. The DREAM Scholarship is really what precipitated, uh, the bill, the legislation, and then the other two comment, other two sections were additional, um, areas. Any questions on section one, lines 16 through, uh, 143? Any questions from the committee? Um, Chairman Howard? Uh, excuse me, Representative, uh, Senator Howard. [0:36:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2212s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:36:53](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2213s) I'll get it right. [0:36:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2214s) Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, I appreciate the chairman for bringing this forward. This is, um, exciting. I think we all share a lot of excitement about this. A, a couple of questions. One, for the $3,000 amount, um, do you foresee an opportunity to make adjustments to this amount, uh, being that the cost of higher education continues to rise? And, uh, what do you see as a mechanism to make any adjustments as a maximum award? [0:37:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2238s) Yeah. Well, I thank the senator for, for the question. I, I think, you know, first of all, we, we get this on the ground and, and we, we apply it and, and we see what happens. Um, and I don't know if you recall, Senator, but we had the completion grant at first and we had the percentages that went to that and you had to be 80% finished with your, your program of study in order to- [0:37:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2255s) That's right [0:37:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2255s) ... avail yourself of it. And then we realized with a two-year degree to be 80% complete you'd already be into your last semester and it didn't do a lot of good, so we had to come back and, and take care of that. So I, I'm sure that this will be, uh, fitted and right-sized and we will find things going, uh, forward. The, the, the amount certainly could be one of those things, but we have found in the completion grant it's set up to $2,500 could be, could be available. And I think Chris, uh, again, President Green can, can correct me on this exact, exact if he comes forward, but I think the average award there is $1,200 to $1,300. [0:38:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2288s) So we, we found out that sometimes it's, it's not the 3,000. It's, it's sometimes it may just be the 2,000. Now, there may be more that's needed and, and so the, the, the short answer is I think everything's open for discussion, but I think we will be surprised at how much 3,000 or less on an annual basis can, can help these students get- [0:38:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2309s) Excellent [0:38:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2309s) ... to where, where they need to be. [0:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2311s) Thank you. [0:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2311s) I, I- [0:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2311s) I'm sorry. [0:38:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2312s) Ju- just to comment, I think the, the experience we've had with completion grants- [0:38:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2316s) Yes, sir [0:38:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2316s) ... and with the Panther Grant- [0:38:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2318s) Yes, sir [0:38:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2318s) ... establishes a, a baseline that says, uh, "This will get us started." And I think this is a, a great place to start, $3,000 per year in needs-based support. [0:38:48](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2328s) Yes, sir. [0:38:48](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2328s) Excellent. I do have one more question, if I may. [0:38:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2330s) Sure, go ahead. [0:38:51](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2331s) Um, well, let's see. When it comes to working, uh, paid, unpaid, volunteering, um, does this include, uh, participating in like student organizations, student government, things of that nature? How expansive is that? [0:39:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2344s) Well, I mean, it just, the, the, I mean, gentlemen, uh, you had the, the exact, uh, language from that and I'm, I'm looking for it but it's- [0:39:11](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2351s) It's line, says- [0:39:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2352s) About 73 [0:39:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2352s) ... 3 through 75. [0:39:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2354s) Yeah, 73 through 79. I, I, and I think it's just that. I mean, it, it says, "May include and shall not be limited to." [0:39:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2361s) Okay. [0:39:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2361s) I think that's the key- [0:39:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2361s) So there's some room [0:39:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2362s) ... the key point. I think there's room at the, at the institution level, uh, to work with that financial advisor that, that's working with the student to determine what that is and, and for that to qualify. It, again, I think what we're after here is for, for the student to be engaged, um, and not certainly to require the work element to put them in a position where they would not be successful academically. [0:39:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2385s) Understood. Thank you. [0:39:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2387s) Thank you. I, uh, I would say it, it follow up in the conversations here. I, I believe that, uh, that work requirement or that participation requirement is, is an essential component, but I also believe that it would recognize existing efforts. [0:39:58](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2398s) Mm-hmm. [0:39:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2399s) And I would suggest that most of our students who are in this position are already involved in some form of self-support, and I'm grateful for that. Um, Senator Hickman? [0:40:10](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2410s) Thank you again, sir. Um, I really appreciate the financial literacy part of this. I think that's incre- that is so needed because of my concern for giving them $3,000 up front, and that's what it sounds like. We're gonna give them $3,000 at the beginning of the very first semester, and for them to, they've got to have the ability to manage that money throughout the whole period of time. That's highly, highly important. Um, who is going to monitor this situation? I get the financial, uh, uh, accounting at, at the college, university or how, how, how, how, how are we gonna make sure that these students take a financial literacy course, and how are we gonna make sure that they, they have a job and they do the... [0:40:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2452s) Who, who's gonna manage all that? [0:40:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2454s) Well, I, I, again, at, at the chairman's discretion, I will allow, um, uh, Chris Green if, if you wanted, uh, Mr. Chairman, to, him to join me and, and they could speak to how they do that with- [0:41:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2463s) Sure [0:41:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2463s) ... the, the, the completion grant. Um, if, if you like, Mr. Chairman. I mean, at, at the chairman's- [0:41:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2469s) Absolutely [0:41:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2469s) ... permission. [0:41:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2469s) Come on up, uh, Mr. Green. [0:41:10](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2470s) I, I'll probably, uh- [0:41:11](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2471s) I appreciate, uh, the partnership that we have with Georgia Student Finance, uh, and acknowledge their, their good work and on a variety of programs that support, uh, higher education in Georgia, and I'm grateful for that. I, I, I would point out in, in this case that a- a- as we implement this, I believe the current, uh, concept model is for Georgia Student Finance to essentially block grant funds to institutions and the financial aid office at the institution- [0:41:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2502s) Mm-hmm [0:41:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2502s) ... would be responsible for identifying students and then verifying that they met requirements to receive this aid. But I'll, I'll defer to Mr. Green and let him update us on where we think we're gonna move. [0:41:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2517s) Mr. Chairman, I was gonna do the same. I was gonna write a check that Mr. Green was gonna have to cash, so- [0:42:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2520s) Absolutely [0:42:01](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2521s) ... I'll let him state that. [0:42:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2523s) And he does a good job. He does a good job. [0:42:05](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2525s) Thank you, Chairman Burns. Uh, Chris Green here on behalf of the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Uh, Chairman Burns, you're right. From what I've heard from the bill author, the vision is that we would administer this similar to completion grants, and we do a, a block, uh, allotment to campuses. And then because the financial aid offices know these students best, they would have the ultimate authority to determine which students have this, this, uh, unmet need. And then, uh, Chairman Hickman, to your question, um, while we want to allow maximum flex- flexibility for the institutions to determine their student need, uh, I do think we're all envisioning, uh, a relationship where we could help manage the requirements for financial literacy. [0:42:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2563s) So if all of these students have a GA Futures account, which we manage, would it be possible for the student to take the financial literacy module within GA Futures? And then if that student were to transfer between USG and TCSG, uh, we are looking at the same data and have a record that a student completed that financial literacy course. And thank you for your support of that component. [0:43:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2583s) Thank you. Mr. Chairman, um, we- I'm gonna be at your pleasure here. I've been- I know, but you got, you got another challenge ... I've been requested, like right now, to go co- Would, would it be okay if you paused us and goes to the other people and I would come back? I can- Uh, we'll, we'll, we'll... Uh, let, let's take care of one more question- Yes, sir ... Senator Orrock, and we'll pause the discussion on dreams. I, I am so sorry. Uh- [0:43:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2604s) It's that time of year . [0:43:26](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2606s) Yes, ma'am. [0:43:26](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2606s) Thank you so much. Uh, uh, o- on the, uh, question of the, of prioritizing, uh, the need based on r- prioritizing the, making the, the g- the grants or scholarships based on need, the, the Pell, the Pell Grant is administered that way, and that, that'd be something. If, if that's too long of a, a response to, th- th- uh, for the chairman's time right now, we can, we can put a pause on it. [0:43:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2630s) Let, yeah, let's defer that question. I believe that, uh, eligibility is gonna be highly impacted by qualifying for Pell, uh, eligibility. Is that not true? [0:43:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2639s) Yes, sir. [0:43:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2639s) Thank you. All right, we'll pause. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And, and- I understand ... my apologies to the committee. I apologize ... we, we, we realize we got a hard stop at 4:00, so, uh, we may have to reconvene next week at the same time. But I do have a couple other bills that I know that Representative Dempsey and Representative Wade, I think, uh, Representative Bonner was to represent Representative Wade. Yep, right there. And, uh, but Representative Dempsey, we'll, we'll move on to your bill. I think we can probably address this relatively quickly. [0:44:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2669s) This is a, this is not a new topic. We've had this conversation. [0:44:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2679s) So this is House Bill 541, LC0388S. Is that correct? [0:44:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2685s) That is correct. [0:44:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2686s) Thank you very much. Would you give us a brief summary and tell us where we are? [0:44:49](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2689s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to present this again. Some of you that have been on the committee for a while may have heard this over the years. This is the seventh time we've tried- [0:44:58](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2698s) Is it only seven? [0:44:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2699s) Only seven. [0:45:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2700s) Oh, I, I- [0:45:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2700s) So I want you to get an A+ [0:45:01](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2701s) ... it seems like many more. It does [0:45:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2703s) ... an A+ for perseverance, right, Mr. Chairman? [0:45:05](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2705s) Right. [0:45:06](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2706s) Yeah. But anyway, this is, this bill is very narrowly tailored to really help one school, um, with the amending of the existing tuition equalization grant code section to provide the, the, the, this one school with a nursing program that helps many students who are often in a second career or a different pathway. This is not your traditional student that comes out of high school and goes straight in. It's a very special program, very successful here as well. [0:45:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2741s) And it is projected that about, there will be a 20% shortfall of registered nurses. That's an estimate deficit of 25,000 in 2038. So there is still a nursing crisis and shortage here that we need to look forward on as well as deliver what we can today. The program is different, uh, I would say. In many ways it complements our other programs. It is year-round school. It's a three-year program versus the traditional program for a bachelor's in nursing that requires four years. [0:46:13](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2773s) They have been very successful. They do have two brick-and-mortar campuses here, which is a requirement in the bill. [0:46:20](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2780s) Mm-hmm. [0:46:20](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2780s) They also must have a passage rate of at least 80%. And over the last two years, in '24, Chamberlain sat over 400 nursing students for the nurses, nursing licensing exam. This past year in '25, they sat 331. That makes them today the third of the top 10 schools in Georgia that are doing it. So ahead of them at this 25 number is Emory and KSU, and they were not way ahead of them actually, so they're doing a very good job. [0:46:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2812s) There's an overwhelming need, I think, for this. And that grant, as y'all know, it goes straight into the school, into the tuition, but it gives them, uh, a little bit more money each quarter or semester, whatever the program is, to allow them to pay for transportation, to pay for putting food on the table, 'cause as I said, many are parents and in a second career- [0:47:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2832s) Yeah [0:47:13](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2833s) ... and looking forward to helping us in Georgia with that. [0:47:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2834s) Thank you. Any questions from the committee? This is a, a topic that we've experienced, uh, on more than one occasion. Any questions? [0:47:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2841s) I'd like to make a motion if appropriate, Chairman. [0:47:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2842s) I just wanna verify we have no questions. [0:47:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2844s) Mm-hmm. [0:47:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2845s) I'm happy to entertain a motion. So moved. [0:47:28](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2848s) Moved. [0:47:28](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2848s) I, I've, I've got a, a, a motion from, uh, Senator Orrock. [0:47:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2851s) Yes. And I would- [0:47:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2852s) Do you pass? [0:47:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2852s) I would... Thank you. I would move do pass, uh, on House Bill 541. [0:47:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2856s) Very good. And, uh, second, second, Senator Hickman? Yes. Uh, any further discussion? Hearing none, call to question. Those in favor indicate with a uplifted hand. Thank you very much. It's, uh, unanimous. Congratulations, Representative Dempsey. [0:47:53](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2873s) Thank you. [0:47:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2874s) Perseverance is an amazing thing, isn't it? [0:47:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2877s) And I'll, I'll move forward with this. Senator Williams has also agreed that he will be the manager. [0:48:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2880s) Ah, Senator Williams has agreed to be your sponsor? [0:48:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2883s) Yes. He will. [0:48:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2884s) The, the undertaker. [0:48:05](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2885s) I will get him there. [0:48:05](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2885s) Remember now- ... the undertaker. [0:48:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2887s) Well, he knows a lot about this then, doesn't he? [0:48:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2888s) Ah. We all have wrestling names over here. [0:48:13](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2893s) Thank you so much. [0:48:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2894s) It's not the widow maker, it's the undertaker. The undertaker. Who knows? Okay. Representative Bonner, I understand you're standing in for Representative Wade, is that correct? [0:48:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2904s) That is correct. [0:48:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2905s) Boy, is he a lucky man. Okay, this is House Bill 1328. We're working. Welcome, President Shannon. [0:48:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2915s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:48:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2916s) We're glad to have you here. [0:48:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2917s) It's an honor to be here. [0:48:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2918s) It's always a, always good to have you. For those of you who do not know, this is the president of North Georgia, University of North Georgia. [0:48:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2925s) Almost got you, Mr. Chairman. [0:48:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2926s) Almost got me. I, yeah, I was going back to GSU days, and GSC days, and- ... NGCSU days. Okay. This is House Bill 1328, uh, LC 61-0393. Representative Bonner, good to see you. [0:49:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2940s) Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. It's a, it's an honor to present the bill on behalf of Representative Wade. Uh, this bill, uh, as you mentioned, relates to University of North Georgia, one of the, uh, one of our s- the Georgia Military... This relates to the Georgia Military Scholarships- [0:49:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2957s) Mm-hmm [0:49:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2957s) ... that are awarded each year. Um, and many of you may have nominated individuals throughout the, the state for this purpose. They are allocated and awarded per congressional district, and what we are requesting in this bill is to increase the number of scholarships allotted for this purpose. These specific scholarships, as you're aware, is the primary pipeline for, uh, getting officers into the Georgia National Guard. So, uh, they do get a full-ride scholarship, but they incur an obligation following that, um, that schooling for another four years in the Georgia National Guard. [0:49:53](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=2993s) Uh, so this ensures a, a great pipeline of qualified officers from a Georgia institution going into, uh, a- another Georgia state agency, our Georgia, uh, National Guard. So, um, that's the request. Uh, I'm available for questions, and, uh, President Shannon is available here as well, as well as any others, uh, that you may wanna ask. [0:50:15](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3015s) Questions from the committee? Uh, Senator Orrock. [0:50:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3018s) Oh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, thank you for being with us and bringing this bill. Uh, uh, uh, historically, uh, we've been invited as legislators to recommend a, a students for consideration for admission to this program. I- is that stayed the same? Has it shrunk, or has it expanded? I, I, I don't know that I'm a- that I'm always invited to do that, but that could just be internal to my office. I don't, but... Or, or it could be a change in your all's outreach. I don't know. [0:50:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3046s) It, it has not, it has not ch... The program has not changed. [0:50:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3050s) Mm-hmm. [0:50:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3050s) Uh, in my l- experience over the years, um, a lot of times it, what i- what fluctuates, uh, oftentimes is the, the interest per congressional district. Sometimes it has to do with, uh, the school counselors and, and how, how that is promoted. Uh, the Georgia National Guard does have its own recruiting battalion, and so they go out to the, the high schools and, and do, uh, as much as they can to, to offer that opportunity. Um, so it, we have seen some fluctuation over the years in general with all of our, whether it's, uh, these scholarships, ROTC, or with our service academy. [0:51:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3085s) So it kind of comes and goes. Um, we could always collectively do better in, uh, in, in making, uh, all of our colleagues aware of that opportunity- [0:51:34](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3094s) Mm-hmm [0:51:34](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3094s) ... especially as new members come in. [0:51:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3096s) Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. [0:51:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3097s) We, we really ought to make that a part of the orientation as to what's available, uh, for you to do. Um, uh, 'cause frankly, as a, as, when I, my first year, it was brought to me by a high school student and said, "Hey, I need your nomination." And I said, "Well, what am I nominating you for?" And that's really, that's how I learned about the process. [0:51:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3114s) Uh-huh. Uh-huh. [0:51:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3115s) So, um, so I will, I will take that as, um, as input, uh, and work with President Shannon and our Georgia National Guard in making sure that all of our colleagues have that information. [0:52:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3124s) Thank you. Uh, and that, that's an excellent idea to in- em- embed it in the orientation for, uh, newly electeds. And I would say that, that there are students, uh, in my district that have enjoyed great success from this opportunity. [0:52:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3137s) Hear, hear. [0:52:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3137s) Uh, uh, I can't say enough about that. [0:52:19](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3139s) Absolutely. And what the legislation is trying to do is not only increase, but also provide some flexibility. [0:52:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3145s) Mm-hmm. [0:52:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3145s) As President Shannon, uh, may allude to, the, the corps is growing. Uh, w- and they've got a, they've got a end goal, and this will allow for, even if the allocations per congressional district are not met, it allows some transferability so that, uh, cumulative, we can make use of as many scholarships as possible. [0:52:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3164s) Senator Howard. [0:52:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3166s) Thank you so much for presenting this. Wanted to better understand the details here. It looks like, uh, for those being nominated, it says not less than six and not more than 10 per congressional district. Am I reading that correctly? [0:53:01](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3181s) That's correct. [0:53:02](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3182s) Um, so would this be state law saying it has to be at least six people? Like, we, we... It says not less than six. So I, maybe I'm being in the weeds here, but does it allow- [0:53:16](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3196s) So per congressional, per congressional district. [0:53:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3197s) Sure. [0:53:17](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3197s) Right. And so each year, uh, we nominate, and then there are those that, that are selected, and we, and, and there are 42 elected per year currently. [0:53:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3207s) Okay. [0:53:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3207s) And so this would just increase that number. [0:53:30](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3210s) If I may, if there's a congressional district, and say that for whatever reason there's only two people who even are nominated, are we then in a, like, pickle when it comes to state law, just the way this is written? So- [0:53:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3226s) No. [0:53:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3226s) I understand that's not the intent here, but I just wonder with the way it's written, is it... It says kind of 6 to 10 with the purpose of increasing more applicants, I'm understanding, but does it put us in a bind saying that it has to be at least six kind of thing? What if you have a year where you have less people, uh, getting nominated, do you then need to come up with... Do you understand the details that I'm- [0:54:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3247s) Yeah, I do. I understand. I, I don't believe that we do run into- [0:54:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3249s) Yeah [0:54:10](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3250s) ... an issue with that language. I'll let the president- [0:54:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3252s) So, so Senator, thank you for the question. This, this language is consistent with current language. [0:54:16](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3256s) Sure. [0:54:16](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3256s) If you read it, it has a similar, uh, boundary on, on the upper and the lower limit. Uh, what happens is, is we get more than enough applicants across the state. We, we have, we have a waiting list. Okay. So no, that's not even in the near problem. [0:54:30](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3270s) No. No. [0:54:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3271s) Okay. [0:54:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3271s) And again, to the senator's point, we want this to become a thing [0:54:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3276s) This is a great deal for a young, uh, student, uh, and the opportunities that it presents. And so this is hopefully to spur some interest. [0:54:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3285s) Got it. [0:54:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3286s) And, and we'll work hard, as you brought up, Senator, with getting the members more, uh, you know, integrated into what we're trying to do. Uh, to, to do this well, it is a lot of effort because we wanna attract great young people. Uh, but your interaction and your colleagues' interaction is critical to the success here. [0:55:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3304s) Got it. [0:55:05](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3305s) But, uh, to your question, I think, I think we're good. I think we're- [0:55:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3307s) Yeah. So- [0:55:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3308s) ... we're using this to spur a little bit of competition. [0:55:10](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3310s) That makes sense. Thank you. So there's no corner of Georgia that we're kinda having to stretch to get ca- get applicants, so. [0:55:15](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3315s) No, I mean, there, there are parts of Georgia that can do better. [0:55:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3318s) Okay. [0:55:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3318s) Uh, but, uh, and I think this helps us a lot. [0:55:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3321s) Understood. [0:55:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3321s) You know, in general, this, this whole, the intent of this whole thing, and the chairman's been, uh, fabulous to work with, is to modernize. Most of this is, is a little bit dated, and so it's really to modernize our thinking about how do we support our Georgia National Guard. [0:55:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3335s) Mm-hmm. [0:55:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3336s) Yes. Thank you. [0:55:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3336s) Thank you. Uh, Senator Hickman. [0:55:40](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3340s) Mr. Representative, the young man in the uniform behind y'all, is he a scholarship recipient or is he- [0:55:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3346s) He is, Senator. [0:55:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3347s) He is. [0:55:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3347s) I'd, I'd love you- [0:55:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3347s) We're gonna let him testify here in a moment. [0:55:49](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3349s) Yeah, I would love to hear him testify. That's all I was gonna ask. [0:55:51](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3351s) D- and, and- [0:55:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3352s) We, we'll get through this. Questions from the table will- [0:55:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3354s) Okay. Okay. We, we, we'll wait for him. [0:55:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3356s) We'll wait for that. Very good. Uh, I appreciate the input. And what we'll do now is, is, uh, take, take testimony from those who have signed up, and I'll, I'll start with, uh, President, President Shannon. Do you have anything else you'd like to add? [0:56:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3368s) Well, well, Senator Burns, just thank you for the opportunity to appear before this great committee. Uh, thank you for your support of not only, uh, uh, the University of North Georgia but our university system. So thank you so much. Uh, this, this program is unique. Uh, our, our institution is one of the six, uh, congressionally designated senior military colleges. There are only six in the United States of America, and we are proud to be the only all Army. And we are the only one that is fully integrated with our National Guard. And so, and you're gonna hear a minute, we're gonna play Rocky when he comes here. [0:56:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3402s) All right. Good to know. [0:56:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3403s) 'Cause he deserves it. Uh, we have a, we have a fully integrated full-time National Guard unit in Dahlonega that runs and leads this program, and we're the only one. So if you look at our counterparts in South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, uh, or, or Vermont, n- no one has a National Guard integration. A lot of it has to do with the chairman and the work of his committee, uh, and our National Guard. We commission 60% of the Georgia National Guard's officers- [0:57:11](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3431s) Sure [0:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3432s) ... to include General Wilson, our adjutant general, uh, General Freymann, our commander, uh, of the Army Guard. And so i- it's a really critical, uh, program for not just Georgia but for the United States of America. And so as we grow the corps, and our vision is to grow the corps to 1,000 cadets, we're well on our way. We're working with both you, uh, and the Army. And the good news is, is the Army is giving us 40 additional scholarships this year. Big deal with all that's going on with the Army and what's going on in, in, uh, the Department of War right now. [0:57:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3465s) And so we're, we're seeing growth from the, the Army. We're seeing growth, uh, hopefully through this activity. Uh, a- and the intent is for, uh, Georgia to do more for ourselves and for, and for the country. And one last thing I'd like to say, uh, Senator, before we, uh, introduce, uh, Rocky over here, um, is currently today the senior-most ground force commander in the Middle East, uh, who is leading all ground force troops, is a North Georgia Major General, Kevin Lambert, North Georgia class of 1993. [0:58:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3498s) So you can be very proud of the work of the University of North Georgia, uh, and what it does, not just for our state when we have hurricanes and all the things that we call the National Guard to do. Uh, but today with what's going on in the Middle East, you can be proud, uh, that there is a Georgia-born, North Georgia-grown commander on the ground right now in Iraq. Uh, and his soldiers unfortunately responded even last week, uh, to that, to that plane crash. And so, uh, and I'm in daily com- uh, communications with him. [0:58:51](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3531s) Uh, so you can be really proud of the work going on, and this scholarship allows us to do this kind of work. Uh, so thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:58:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3539s) Thank you. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much. Uh, Captain Holbrooks, why don't you to join us and, uh, give us, uh, some insights from your experience? [0:59:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3549s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Dr. Shannon, for the, the kind comments. Uh, good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the committee. My name's Captain Trevor Holbrooks, and I serve as the National Guard Detachment Commander up at the University of North Georgia. Um, we have a, a unique program, as Dr. Shannon stated. Uh, about 225 soldiers inside my detachment, uh, all attending the University of North Georgia. I'm also a proud recipient of the Georgia Military Service Scholarship, and, uh, I'm really proud to s- sit here in front of you today just to say thank you for, for the opportunity that, that, um, leaders like yourselves afforded me. [0:59:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3584s) In 2011, I graduated from North Hall High School up in Gainesville, Georgia. Uh, worked hard in athletics and school, but like many young Georgians, my family didn't have the financial means to send me to college. When recruiters from the Army National Guard in- introduced me to the Georgia Military Service Scholarship, it opened a door that otherwise would have remained closed. Because of that opportunity, I attended the University of North Georgia, commissioned a- as an officer in 2016, and began service in the Georgia Army National Guard. [1:00:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3614s) Since then, I've deployed to Afghanistan, trained with allied partners across the world, responded here at homes during emergencies, COVID, hurricanes, riot responses, uh, all of which affecting our communities. Every one of those moments traces back to the investment that this state made in me. And my story's not unique. The Georgia Military Service Scholarship consistently identifies young men and women with character, discipline, and desire to serve but who may not otherwise have access to higher education. It provides them the opportunity. [1:00:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3646s) It develops officers for the Georgia Army National Guard, and it keeps talented service members pro- service-minded professionals here in Georgia, strengthening both our military and our workforce. Members of the committee, this program does more than fund education. It transforms lives, builds leaders, and it strengthens the future of our state. So I stand before you today as living proof of the return on the investment, and, uh, wanna make clear, thank you so much for the opportunity and, and believing in us. [1:01:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3674s) Thank you very much. Appreciate your input. Any questions? Any comments? Um, is, uh, uh, Colonel Holbrook- uh, Colonel Knotts here? Okay. If you would, please, uh, join us and, uh, share your input. This is Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Knotts, who is, uh, not recognizable 'cause he's in civilian apparel today. Okay. [1:01:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3698s) Uh, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, h- honored to be with you today. It's hard to, uh, go after, uh, Rocky, but, uh- [1:01:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3704s) Eh [1:01:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3704s) ... get to serve with, uh, phenomenal leaders in North Georgia, and I'm blessed to be in charge of recruiting for the corps. And I can just say, speaking of students across the table who are first-generation students- [1:01:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3715s) Mm-hmm [1:01:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3715s) ... um, we have, uh, a young man named Ethan right now, uh, from South, South Atlanta. Never been to college. Georgia Military Scholarship is gonna be his way to go to college and serve. Uh, it's, it's made a tremendous impact on so many lives, and seeing Captain Holbrooks, uh, lead them so well, I, I'm really proud. As I get toward the end of my career, seeing our future leaders through the Georgia Guard, both in the state and abroad, just honored to help recruit for this program. [1:02:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3743s) Thank you. [1:02:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3743s) So. [1:02:24](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3744s) Thank you, every- I appreciate the input. I appreciate the testimony. I, I would just make a couple quick comments. Spent five years, University of North Georgia. Greatest place in the world. Uh, it's, it's a, it's a wonderful culture. A lot of the culture there is, uh, established by the Corps of Cadets, and I'm grateful for that. I'd also point out that during Hurricane Helene, those of us who had the challenge there, National Guard was everywhere. [1:02:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3770s) Mm-hmm. [1:02:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3770s) They were doing everything from cutting trees off roads and getting people in and out of houses to passing out water and MREs and tarps and you name it, okay? So it's, it's not just protecting our nation and protecting our state, it's serving our state, and I'm grateful for that. [1:03:06](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3786s) Yeah. [1:03:06](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3786s) So any further comments or questions? At the appropriate time, I'd, uh, recognize, uh, Senator Payne for a motion. [1:03:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3794s) I'll make a motion to do pass. [1:03:16](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3796s) I have a motion from Senator Payne to do pass. Is there a second? [1:03:19](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3799s) Second. [1:03:19](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3799s) Second, Senator Howard. All those, uh, in favor, any further discussion? All those in favor, raise your hand, please. Four. Senator Summers, there you go. Thank you very much. Uh, Senator Nan Orrock, thank you, uh, for standing in for Representative Wade. [1:03:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3816s) Thank you. [1:03:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3817s) Chairman Bonner. [1:03:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3818s) Absolutely. [1:03:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3818s) I appreciate your assistance. I appreciate your help. Thank you very much. [1:03:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3821s) Thank you. [1:03:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3824s) Um, we, we are gonna have to, uh, just pause a moment. I don't think that, uh, Chairman Martin is likely to return. We have some individuals who'd like to speak to the bill, but I, my guess is they may be interested in speaking to the second section of the bill that deals with medical education. Is that true? Is there... And let me look, let me look again. Let me look at the list. We're gonna go back now to House Bill 1413. [1:04:15](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3855s) Uh, maybe not. Perhaps not. Okay, so what we'll do is let's flip, let's flip back to 1513. This is the Dream Scholarship Bill, 1413. [1:04:26](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3866s) Right. [1:04:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3867s) And what we'll do is we'll take, um, input on 1413 so that we can be in a better position to take action when, uh, Chairman Martin's available. So we'll recognize, uh, Ms. Colvin, Jenna Colvin, GICA. We're back on House Bill 1413 LC 6104 81S for public comment. [1:04:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3894s) Thank you. [1:04:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3894s) Thank you. [1:04:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3896s) Am I on? [1:04:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3897s) Yes, you are. [1:04:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3897s) Okay, great. Good afternoon. Uh, I'm Jenna Colvin, president of the Georgia Independent College Association. We represent Georgia's private nonprofit colleges and the students they serve across the state. I sometimes move too quickly past the question of who we are, so I'm gonna begin there. Our association represents 24 colleges. All of them are nonprofit. Most have served Georgia communities and students for more than 100 years, sometimes, some coming on 200 years. [1:05:30](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3930s) None of our members are for-profit colleges making money for shareholders. None are based in other states. And like USG and TCSG, all of our colleges are accredited by SACSCOC. [1:05:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3944s) Mm-hmm. [1:05:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3946s) But our colleges offer students a different choice. Smaller, more individualized learning environments are w- where students are known, supported, and challenged to grow. For many students, that sense of fit means finding a college whose mission and community reflect who they are and how they wanna learn, whether that's a faith, faith-based campus, an HBCU, a women's college, or a community-anchored institution. Our campuses offer places where the values and the community are a key part of the student experience. [1:06:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=3983s) What our colleges share is powerful. All of our colleges were founded by pioneers and preachers, people who put down roots in the steepled hills and small town squares across the state and believed education should form character, open doors, and strengthen communities for all Georgians. My job is mostly persuasion, sometimes collaboration, and the occasional well-timed reminder email Uh, I don't have the kind of authority the chancellor and the commissioner have, so I usually come bearing data and donuts. [1:06:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4017s) No donuts today because of the late hour- ... but I do have data. Uh, the Dream Scholarship has the power to change lives, and we'd like to see it work for all Georgians. First, two practical points. We have the same percentage of Pell students as the university system, roughly 40%, but our number is smaller. So we anticipate that if private colleges were included in this program, 11% of the program budget would go to p- students at private colleges if allocated based on Pell enrollment. [1:07:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4051s) Second, there's only a $2,500 difference in the average median debt at graduation between a GICA graduate and a USG graduate. So a $3,000 scholarship could make a big difference. And from a workforce perspective, I shared some data with you. Georgia has the lowest home state college attendance rate in the South. Private colleges can be part of that solution, helping more Georgians stay home for college and begin their careers here. When you look at student movement across state lines, Georgia exports more first-time, full-time students than it imports. [1:08:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4088s) Unlike our neighbors, uh, we lose more students than we bring in. Private colleges can help us keep more of that talent in Georgia. And when you compare state aid programs across the region, Georgia has made important progress, and we are grateful for the investments in recent years. But even with that progress, Georgia still offers the lowest aggregate amount of aid for students who choose private colleges. So if you believe fit matters when students are selecting colleges, that's a reason to include our students. [1:08:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4123s) If you believe talent exists everywhere but opportunity does not, that's a reason to include our students. And if you believe in competition and letting students vote with their feet, that's a reason to include our students. So we're asking you to keep the goal, just broaden the reach so that the Dream Scholarship includes Georgians that choose to attend private colleges. Thank you. [1:09:07](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4147s) Thank you. Any questions for, uh, Ms. Coleman? Uh, so, um, appreciate your leadership, uh, in this sector. [1:09:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4158s) Thank you. [1:09:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4158s) And, uh, uh, I know you gave some compelling testimony when, uh, when our study committee convened over the, uh, last half of 2025, uh, working on college affordability. So thank you very much for your leadership. And the, uh, uh, uh, I wanted to ask, uh, y- you, uh, it, it flew by me. Georgia has the lowest aggregate- [1:09:40](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4180s) The lowest home state college attendance rate. That means- [1:09:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4183s) Uh-huh [1:09:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4183s) ... compared to the other states, we keep a smaller percentage of students in Georg- of Georgia students in state for college in Georgia. [1:09:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4194s) And when we, the number of, um, you know, j- uh, s- sadly, Ge- Georgia's second in the nation, uh, behind, uh, the, uh, the rest of the states on, uh, the, the, the burden of student loan debt. And h- how much of that, uh, uh, of that is a reality for, uh, y- your students? And that, that, uh, uh, that may be something that you'd wanna research, you know, as opposed to, if you, if you don't have the answer now. [1:10:29](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4229s) But, um, I was, I thought you were saying that, um, it was... I'm just, I'm, I'm scanning real quickly the materials that you shared with us. Um, [1:10:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4247s) uh, I, I, I thought, uh, were you saying something about the, the, the money that, th- that be- that, that the private institutions get from the state? [1:10:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4256s) Yeah. [1:10:56](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4256s) Is that what, where we compare poorly? [1:10:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4259s) So, um, we t- so there's a person who has my job in almost every other state. [1:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4264s) Uh-huh. [1:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4264s) And we all work on student aid funding for students who choose private colleges. So I survey my colleagues in the states that touch Georgia, and they are, and we ask for what is the amount a family would receive based on if you're, if the state has a TEG program. [1:11:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4281s) Mm-hmm. [1:11:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4281s) So we have a TEG program. [1:11:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4282s) Tuition Equalization Grant. [1:11:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4283s) Tuition Equalization Grant. We just heard about that with, um, Chairwoman Dempsey. Um, most states have a lottery program like HOPE. They've all copied us. [1:11:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4291s) Mm-hmm. [1:11:32](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4292s) Most, uh, the amount on HOPE, it, everyone's TEG is higher than ours. Uh, the other states- [1:11:38](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4298s) Everyone's- [1:11:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4299s) Tuition equalization [1:11:40](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4300s) ... everyone's- [1:11:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4301s) T- you said TEG. [1:11:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4302s) TEG. [1:11:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4303s) T- the Tuition Equalization Grant. [1:11:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4304s) Mm-hmm. The, from other states. [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4306s) Uh-huh. [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4306s) Their award amount is higher. [1:11:47](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4307s) That's where we're the lowest. [1:11:48](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4308s) Yes, ma'am. [1:11:49](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4309s) Got it. [1:11:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4310s) And then most other states have a needs-based aid program, and we don't. [1:11:54](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4314s) Th- thank you. [1:11:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4315s) That's right. [1:11:55](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4315s) I, I appreciate that. Just a quick point. Y- you, you quoted Pell enrollment percentages. [1:12:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4320s) Yes. [1:12:00](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4320s) Give me those again for privates versus publics. [1:12:03](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4323s) So I have the exact data in my bag, but we're roughly 11%, or it's a 9:1 ratio between, from USG to GICA. [1:12:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4332s) Thank you. [1:12:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4332s) That's it. [1:12:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4332s) All right. Thank you very much. [1:12:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4334s) Thank you. [1:12:14](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4334s) Um, Chair Martin, we're taking some public input on 1213 right now, so let's wrap this up. Karen Schooley, are you- [1:12:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4341s) Chairman Martin, I don't need to speak. I'm in support of the bill. [1:12:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4343s) All right, you're okay. Thank you very much. Uh, LaShannon Spencer. [1:12:27](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4347s) She's a plant, Mr. Chairman. [1:12:28](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4348s) She's a plant, I got it. LaShannon Spencer. [1:12:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4353s) Yes, sir. [1:12:33](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4353s) All right, come right up. [1:12:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4357s) Yep, [1:12:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4361s) I [1:12:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4361s) You brought friends. [1:12:42](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4362s) I did bring friends with me as I was rushing in. [1:12:46](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4366s) All right. We're, uh, we're busting up against a dead- deadline, so help us out. [1:12:50](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4370s) I will make it, uh, very quick- [1:12:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4372s) Thank you [1:12:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4372s) ... uh, Mr. Chairman. Uh, LaShannon Spencer, vice president of Government Affairs from Morehouse School of Medicine. HB 1413 is very important, um- Because it matters to Georgia. Georgia is facing a physician shortage that threatens communities all across the state. [1:13:15](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4395s) Let, let me back up just a second. Ms. Spencer, we're, you're now discussing a section of the bill we have not yet addressed. [1:13:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4401s) Yes, sir. [1:13:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4402s) Is that not true? That's true. [1:13:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4403s) That is true. [1:13:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4403s) All right. Well, I, I would ask that you defer simply because the committee does not have a clear understanding of what you're advocating for. [1:13:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4411s) Okay. [1:13:31](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4411s) Okay? Uh, uh, because it, it... I a- I apologize. [1:13:35](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4415s) Not a problem, sir. [1:13:36](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4416s) Um, and I hate to ask you to recede, but my concern is you're advocating for pri- I think, for privacy to be included in a, in an expanded environment that we have not yet considered. [1:13:49](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4429s) Understand, sir. [1:13:51](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4431s) I apologize. [1:13:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4432s) No apologies needed. Thank you. [1:13:53](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4433s) Thank you. Um, uh, again- That's section two, yeah ... that's section two. Um, Mr. Chairman, if, if it's, uh, this was, was hearing only, um, [1:14:08](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4448s) I'm not sure of a position as far as the, how much time we might have here. Uh- It's a hard stop. It's a hard stop. We got Thursday. We have Thursday. And then that would Okay. So what, well, we, we... Let's do this. Um, let me ask the committee, uh, if you would, uh, Mr. Chairman, if you would come back and take a couple of minutes to introduce section two, uh, which deals with medical scholarships. [1:14:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4485s) And then ask the committee, if you would, please, to review that section and prepare your concerns and questions, and we'll bring this back to the committee one week from today. Mm-hmm. Is that right? The 24th. We'll need to move it. We'll need to move it at that point. But let's at least understand what section two and what it is requesting. Mr. Chairman? [1:15:06](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4506s) Yep. Yes, sir. Section two of the bill creates a service-based scholarship for students attending the University System of Georgia Medical School. Same eligibility requirements. You have to be a HOPE-eligible person come, coming out of, of, of undergrad. So, you had to have been eligible to get HOPE. We all know what that is. That's in, uh, section something dot five 19 dot two, I believe, in the Georgia Code. You also, it want, wants you to complete a FAFSA. Uh, you attend the medical school full time, and you have satisfactory, uh, academic pro- progress. [1:15:37](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4537s) Um, it's a, it's a full cost of attendance, uh, up to eight semesters, and the service requirement is the residents must practice medicine in Georgia for at least four years after completing an ACGME-approved residency program. Um, and I'm gonna have to get some medical help if you want me to get into depth what a m- uh, that, that program is. [1:15:58](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4558s) Yes. [1:15:58](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4558s) But essentially, we're, we're trying to keep those doctors that are, um, HOPE eligible in Georgia, going to the University of Georgia System Medical School to, to practice in Georgia, and we feel like there's some discussion about the four-year requirement. Is that enough? Should it be longer? In general, if you, you establish your practice at four years, we're thinking that most people, that, that sort of roots you in a community and, and you, if you're gonna pick up and start over, it's a little bit harder. So I mean, that's cer- certainly, uh, to the purview of this committee to discuss that and what... And, and that and any part of section two. But the idea was to, uh, keep, keep our medical folks that are from Georgia in Georgia. [1:16:34](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4594s) Uh, I thank you. I appreciate the chairman's, uh, giving this some consideration and preparing a discussion point. I think the $64,000 question is, where does the $64,000 come from? Uh, how, how would this, uh, proposal be funded? I think- [1:16:52](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4612s) It, uh, it, it would be subject to appropriation, Mr. Chairman, and as I understand, in the current budget, there is not- [1:16:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4617s) There's unfortunately- [1:16:57](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4617s) There is not that appropriation [1:16:59](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4619s) ... li- limited appropriations at this time. [1:17:01](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4621s) Y- Yes, sir. There, there, there is, and I think the idea, um, that this came, you know, as a priority of some members, uh, in, in the House, um- [1:17:09](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4629s) And I, I also think that, uh, it, it's certainly a worthy, uh, a worthy objective. Uh, a- and again, I, uh, uh, with the study committee on affordability, I think we're, we're looking more at endowed type approaches as opposed to appropriated type approaches because the, the changes in the appropriations. Well, let me ask the committee to give this some thought and consideration. We'll reconvene the discussion on Tuesday the 24th and, uh, see if we can't find a, a, a landing place, uh, for House Bill 1413. [1:17:43](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4663s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:17:44](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4664s) Thank you. [1:17:45](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4665s) And, and, and if I might, just to the chair and to the committee members, my, my apologies. Um, I can tell you now that, uh, if, if the chair, chairman will allow, um, I wa- I was upstairs presenting, um, to Ways and Means, uh, a House substitute to Senate Bill 285 to provide a pathway to, um, provide extended benefits for our, uh, peace officers annuity and benefit program, um, that I worked on with, uh, Chairman Blackmon over the weekend, and, uh, we felt that- [1:18:12](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4692s) Great [1:18:13](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4693s) ... um, they needed me to present, and I apologize to the chair and po- me- members of the committee, but- [1:18:16](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4696s) No, no need. We know what time of year it is [1:18:18](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4698s) ... um, that wa- that wa- that was important to our, our peace officers. [1:18:21](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4701s) Thank you. Did it pass? [1:18:22](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4702s) It did. [1:18:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4703s) There you go. [1:18:23](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4703s) It's, uh, on the full committee, M- uh, Chairman Williams. [1:18:25](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4705s) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm just gonna get this one please. Um, again, my apologies especially to, uh, Morehouse School of Medicine for not being allowed to share their input at this time, but we will certainly accept that- [1:18:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4719s) We might next Tuesday [1:18:39](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4719s) ... on Tuesday. [1:18:40](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4720s) Yes, sir. [1:18:41](https://vimeo.com/1174496983#t=4721s) So with no further business, uh, we'll stand adjourned.