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Found 14 matching documents.
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 19, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 19, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved four bills: HB 1220 on scholarship eligibility, HB 1114 on digital and financial literacy instruction, HB 451 on religious instruction during school release time, and HB 634 on administration of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. The vote on HB 1220 was 5 to 4. Members raised concerns about private-school access, younger students’ instructional time, teacher workloads, and rules for religious classes on school property. The Senate sponsor of HB 451 committed to reviewing the school-property language with legislative counsel before floor consideration. No exact vote totals were stated for the other three bills.
Representative Barrett, who has been so kind to hold up the wall in the back. He could've moved to the front and put more pressure on us, but he was ki- he was kind enough to sit at the back and just kinda- I actually didn't see you standing back there. I promise, I wasn't hiding, I promise. Yes, sir. If you would please, uh, we do got, we got Judiciary...
Mm-hmm. It's, it's more or less just instructing the students that they're, you know, on, you know, things that deal with digi- digital literacy. A- and so, like, is there, like, a, like, a model curriculum or, like, something, an example from another state? 'Cause my concern, what I'm getting at, is teachers are already stretched thin, and we have 70% of...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 26, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 26, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered three study committees and three education bills. It passed HB 1259 after lowering the proposed school-performance threshold from 70 to 65 and delaying implementation until 2027. Members also proposed limiting new enrollment, but that amendment did not receive a vote. The committee heard proposals to study paid student teaching, charter-school building funding and Rosenwald schools, updating the dates in the first two resolutions to 2026. It also considered a school emergency-preparedness and teacher-planning-time substitute to HB 629, and an education-program reporting substitute to HB 419. Members held show-of-hands votes on those five measures, but the transcript does not clearly announce their final outcomes.
Senator Dozal and all have a, we always have a laugh at every vote. Okay. Um, Senator Davenport, can you do yours in about 10 minutes? Five minutes? Okay. Five minutes. 10 minute, five. Ma'am? Okay. Oh. Can you do yours? Oh, can I do mine in five minutes? Yeah. Yes, ma'am. Oh, yes, I will. Okay. If y'all vote it to due pass, can do it in two minutes. Check...
First and second on that. Yeah. Huh? First and second on the actual bill. Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. We got first and second. We gotta do the actual bill first and we... Senator Hatchett. Yes. Senator Hatchett made the motion. Yes. Senator K- okay, so let's, let's- Yes ... let's have a, let's have a vote on the bill as it is. So all in favor of the bill. No, no....
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 3, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 3, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered SB 171, which the sponsor described as creating a statewide advanced mathematics pathway to prepare students for higher-level high school courses. Members discussed access, enrollment criteria, teacher preparation, existing programs and options for small school districts. The committee adopted amendments guaranteeing enrollment at a parent or guardian’s request and requiring the State Board of Education to develop the pathway by January 1, 2027. The committee then approved the amended bill, with two members opposed. The total number voting in favor was not stated.
Not necessarily. Thank you
Okay ... um, not take part. Uh, what this would, uh, what, what current language would say that there shall also be a criteria or some mechanism for you as a parent to say, "Actually, I know we just missed the mark. I would like to still enroll my child." Okay. Correct. And that, that's current. This goes a little further. I, I, I, I don't mind. Yeah....
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 12, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered and advanced three bills: HB 1030, on math instruction and access to advanced courses; HB 1284, on diplomas for high school students facing terminal illness; and HB 1293, on expanding a technical-college program for students who left high school. Discussion covered access to rigorous math instruction, diploma eligibility and medical documentation, and funding for student support services. One member opposed HB 1030. No vote totals were announced for the other two bills.
Can you hear me now? Okay. One of them, one of them did. Okay. Uh, any question, any other questions? Seeing none, um, all in favor raise your right hand, please. Thank you, Ms. Pro Tem. Thank you. Now, who's gonna carry the bill for you? Uh, Senator Still has offered to. Yeah. You got a great person to carry it, too. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you,...
Um, next on our list is, uh, Representative Silcox. And thank you for bringing this bill. And tell us again why this bill is special to you.
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 23, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 23, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved SB 425, requiring cursive handwriting instruction, and SB 497, requiring parental notification and school records for certain noninstructional student services. Members questioned the timing and learning needs involved in cursive instruction. On parental notification, witnesses raised concerns about student privacy and whether reporting requirements could discourage children from seeking help. Seven members voted in favor of SB 497, and opposing votes were acknowledged without a count. The committee postponed SB 475, concerning charter school funding and a proposed change to school district consolidation petitions, until the next day's meeting so members could clarify amendments.
Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yeah. And tomorrow will be our last meeting. If we can get it worked out, and you got- Yeah ... 24 hours. Yeah, I'm fine with- 124 hours ... waiting till tomorrow, 'cause we can talk- Okay ... to some of the members- Okay ... to get some clarity on- Good ... the amendment. Thank you, sir. Yeah. Yeah. We appreciate it. Yeah. Yeah....
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Senate Bill 497, working off of LC 499009. The floor is yours, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, this bill, uh, we're calling it the, the Parent's Bill of Rights. Uh, it's one of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones' uh, priorities. Um, and it's to ensure parents are notified when their minor child seeks non-instructional medical,...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 10, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 10, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard a teacher recruitment and retention report prepared in response to SR 237, including recommendations on training, financial support, working conditions and school leadership. Members asked about transferring course credits, classroom phone restrictions, reducing teachers’ duties and recognizing prior teaching experience. No action was taken on the report. The committee also held a vote on SB 471, which would make permanent the parental opt-out requirement for school mask mandates, but the chair did not expressly announce the result. The committee unanimously approved a substitute for SB 369 establishing a dropout recovery charter school category and separate performance reporting.
Chairman, my bill's gonna take a minute longer than Senator Dolezal's. Okay, we'll see. One minute longer? Yeah, we'll see. One minute longer. Dr. Barrett, thank you again. Almost done. Okay.
I know you, and I know that. Um, Senator Dolezal, it's your show. You wanna do it from there or you wanna sit down? You- I'll be so quick from here, it'll be less time than taking a walk up. Okay. That sounds good to me. So what, what number are you? Uh, 15. Okay.
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 24, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 24, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved HB 310, which the sponsor described as a pilot program to help low-income student teachers cover expenses and encourage them to teach in Georgia public schools. Two college students testified about the financial strain of preparing to teach. The committee also heard HB 1259, concerning academic requirements and funding for district-operated virtual schools enrolling students from outside the district. Members debated school performance, oversight, parental choice and the consequences of requiring students to move elsewhere. The chair postponed a vote and said discussion and testimony from the other side would continue Thursday.
Would we be able to hear testimony from the other side? Yeah, we will. We will. We just, we just, y'all, y'all ask so many questions. I, I'm running out of time. Yeah. Thank y'all. Mr. Chairman, I would encourage you to get with these guys, if you would please. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Appreciate you.
and Youth. Um, I will be presiding over the meeting in absence of our chairman right now, who's presenting a bill elsewhere. But right now we're going to hold steadfast until we are able to obtain a quorum. So just hold what you got right now and we'll, we'll start back here in just a moment. Did we lose someone else down there? Juan? Uh, Senator Hickman's...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 3, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 3, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered four bills. Members approved SB 589 after removing proposed school-entry cutoff changes and retaining a parental choice provision for pre-K enrollment. They also approved an amended substitute for SB 445, covering Georgia Promise Scholarship eligibility, administration and oversight. After debate over removing discipline data from school climate ratings, the chair postponed action on SB 557 until Thursday. Witnesses supported SB 554, a proposed childcare facilities grant program, describing repair needs, waiting lists and difficulty financing expansion. The committee adjourned without voting on that bill.
Sure. Okay.
Our school districts and how they're rating the climates of the schools. Okay. Thank you. Senator Kemp? Yeah, I, I wanna just continue on this line 180 to 181, 'cause it seems to me we're throwing the baby out with the bath water, and, you know, we're saying, "Okay, continue to brush the issues under the rug. Now just like, just don't even report it." I...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 19, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 19, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved an amended substitute for SB 472, after discussing school financial oversight and superintendent contracts. It also heard SB 513, which the sponsor said would require attendance support plans and could affect extracurricular participation and access to new driver's licenses or permits. Committee members supported addressing absenteeism, while DeKalb County students and an IDRA witness raised concerns about inconsistent attendance records, transportation barriers and unclear requirements. Members also questioned the driver's license provisions. The committee voted on SB 513, but the transcript does not clearly announce the result or a vote count.
So now we go back to the second amendment, um, as presented by Senator Setzler. Go and restate that if you would. Uh, AM four nine. AM, AM four nine zero two eight eight, as we've discussed, um, again, so that we've got the ability to remove a s-- Th- th- the new school board has the ability to remove a superintendent if there's a finding of financial...
Okay. You wanna speak to her amendment? Yeah. Uh, uh, to, to the lady, I don't think I'm aga-- Per- personally, um, if it's, if it doesn't affect the limitation on the existing superintendent's contract being limited 12 months, if this is only affecting a new superintendent that could be brought in, um, to help, you know, clean up the mess- Mm-hmm ... I'd...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 17, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 17, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 971, which the sponsor said would expand access to college and career academies for home-study and private-school students, and unanimously approved HB 907, concerning access to completion schools for students at risk of dropping out or who have already left school. The committee also discussed HB 1220, which the sponsor said would ease scholarship eligibility requirements for certain students and allow larger individual awards without increasing the program’s overall tax-credit cap. Members raised concerns about accountability and the balance between larger awards and serving more students. A motion to recommend against passage tied 5-5 and failed. The acting chair then left the bill without further action for possible consideration at a future meeting.
All right. And lastly, certainly not least. Senator Still. Happy to do it. Is that right? Yes, ma'am. How are you doing, Representative Ballard? I'm doing fine. How are you? Thank you- Very well ... Mr. Chairman. Go ahead and present your bill.
Take over, be chairing the committee until our good chairman gets here. He's presenting a bill in another committee right now, but we will, soon as he gets here, he can take over the reins. Um, we have three bills on our agenda today. House Bill 971 by Representative Townsend, House Bill 907 by R- Representative Jones, and House Bill 1220 by Representative...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 24, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 24, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved SB 475 with an amendment limiting school districts’ obligations to spend education sales tax proceeds on property they do not own. Two members voted against the amended bill. The committee also held hearings, without votes, on SB 519, addressing educator employment and working conditions; HB 200, creating an elementary-school writing pilot; and SB 484, creating a certification pathway for experienced private-school and college teachers. Questions focused on writing-program providers and funding, and on the training and experience needed to enter public-school teaching.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am Tonya, Senator Tonya Anderson, and I am presenting, uh, Senate Bill 519 using the substitute LC61-0417S. Yes, ma'am. Your turn. All right. Thank you. Uh, so thank you for allowing me to present this bill. Senate Bill 519 is a workforce, uh, stabilization and professionalism bill for Georgia educators. It addresses teacher...
It guarantees teachers at least two planned restroom breaks per day. One break may coincide with a planning period. Why does this matter? It addresses a real and widely reported workplace issue. It supports health, dignity, and basic working conditions, particularly important for elementary teachers, pregnant educators, and long instructional blocks. I...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 10, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 10, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered and unanimously approved two bills. HB 1107 would establish statewide measures for evaluating teacher preparation programs and make overall performance data public. Discussion focused on teacher readiness, program transparency and reporting requirements for colleges. HB 1164 would strengthen oversight of school system finances through an audit committee, financial risk ratings, reporting requirements and corrective action. The sponsor answered questions about overdue payments, public notice and outside audits. The chair also shared updates on teacher workforce recommendations, school climate ratings and the state literacy plan before the bill presentations.
Right ... across the state. We wanna make sure that you have the tools to catch something before it becomes a major issue. That's really what this bill's about. Well, thank you, sir. Thank you. Um, since there's no questions, do I have a motion on the bill? Okay, so moved by Senator Hatchett. Do I need a second? I need a second. Senator Kemp is a second....
So first, um, in sections 40, or lines 44 through 64, um, there are several data elements that are, um, going to be reported, and, um, my question was whether PSC already has this data or if it will be a new report from the colleges? Okay, so first of all, and I, and I would welcome also Dr. Jody Barrow, who has, who has offered to come up and answer any...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · January 27, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, January 27, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered SB 412, which the sponsor said would let teachers and other school personnel use up to five days of accumulated sick leave each school year for personal or professional reasons, rather than three. Members discussed who could approve the leave. Witnesses from the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, Georgia School Boards Association and Department of Education supported the proposal. The committee approved the bill unanimously. The chair announced that there would be no Thursday meeting and that meetings would resume the following Tuesday.
Yes, ma'am. I'm just... I guess I'm a little worried about that piece, but maybe it'll work out. I'm not, I'm not certain. Yeah. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Thank you for the question. Well, I think that that would also come in where the- That part's correct ... in his or her authorized- Yeah ... representative, someone who would have the...
So I appreciate, um, y'all, um, uh, bringing this forward and so do our members. I'm here to answer any questions you might have. Any questions from the committee? Senator Berry, do you have any questions? Thank you. Thank you. Next we have Justin Pawley from GSBA. Chairman, committee members, thank you for the opportunity to speak. I'm Justin Pawley with...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · February 17, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, February 17, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved SB 487 by committee substitute after adding a Georgia Student Finance Commission representative and a July 1, 2036 expiration date. The sponsor said the bill would continue cooperation among state agencies on teacher workforce data, recruitment and retention. The committee also heard SB 472, which would expand financial monitoring of school districts and allow audit findings to trigger proceedings to suspend school board members. A committee member questioned targeting elected board members when superintendents and financial staff manage daily operations, and proposed allowing board members to seek a superintendent’s suspension. The committee tabled that bill without opposition so the sponsor and the member could work on the concerns.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
And this bill is just to keep them talking. And I think a lot of what you, a lot of what you just mentioned will come out as suggestions out of this group. Okay. Okay? Thank you very much. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Senator Parent. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you so much for all of your hard work, um- Thank you. ... Chairman Hickman. So, um, two...
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