Back to School Legislative Update

As we mark the beginning of the academic year on August 1st, I want to highlight some key education legislation passed during the 2024 Legislative Session. These initiatives aim to support our students, teachers, schools, and families by enhancing education funding and providing parents with the flexibility to choose the best educational options for their children.

Thousands of students and teachers throughout Georgia will begin this school year with increased resources, funding, and opportunities. From historic investments in Pre-K programs, early literacy initiatives, and teacher pay raises to school safety funding and school choice vouchers—providing access to quality education for every Georgia student continues to be a top priority for the House.

2024 Education Legislative Highlights include:

Georgia Pre-K: The Georgia Lottery for Education Act (HB 353) adjusted COAM regulations, resulting in a $97 million increase in funding for the Georgia Pre-K Program.

K-12 Education: The FY25 budget (HB 916) again fully funds the K-12 Quality Basic Education formula, provides $2,500 teacher pay raises, and allocates $45,000 annually to every public school towards school safety resources. Click here more information about the education investments included in the FY 2025 Budget.

Literacy: Under SB 464, the early literacy testing process statewide is streamlined and updated and provides a free universal screener to every Georgia school system.

Higher Education: As chairman of the House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions, we’re continuing to evaluate the impacts and benefits of each on student on employers.

In 1999, USG transitioned from the quarter system to the semester system, followed by the TCSG of Georgia in 2011. The switch was intended to improve curriculum alignment, enhance administrative efficiencies and reduce student costs. However, in recent years we’ve heard concerns from students, employers, and other stakeholders about whether these anticipated benefits have been realized.

The committee is composed of five members of the House of Representatives, the USG chancellor, and the TCSG commissioner, will examine these issues and evaluate both systems. The study committee also aims to determine if the anticipated benefits of the conversion to the semester system have been realized, and to assess the impact on student outcomes and workforce development. The committee produce its findings by Dec. 31, 2024.

To learn more about our work, click here. You can also find the schedules and minutes of other study committees meeting over the the remainder of the year here. To learn more about additional education options available throughout the state, click here.

As always, we continue working to ensure simple, smart and effective government that best serves you and your families. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you need assistance or have any questions.

Wishing students and families a safe, exciting and productive start back to the school year!