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GA HB865
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/28/2016
Primary Sponsor
Mike Dudgeon
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a state income tax credit for individual and corporate donors who contribute to student scholarship organizations, capped at $2.5 million per donor and $25 million in aggregate tax credits per year, with unused credits carried forward up to five years
- Targets scholarships to low-income students (those qualifying for free or reduced lunch) who were previously enrolled in Georgia public schools for at least six weeks, with enrollment requirements waived for students zoned to failing schools (CCRPI score below 69), victims of school violence, or prior homeschool students
- Requires participating schools or programs to administer nationally norm-referenced or state tests annually, report test results and graduation rates to the Office of Student Achievement, and be accredited or in the process of accreditation
- Scholarships are portable to any BEST qualified private school or program of the parent's choice, and student scholarship organizations must transfer donated funds to qualified schools on behalf of eligible students within 24 months of receipt
- Effective upon the Governor's approval and applicable to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2017
Legislative Description
"Building Educational Success Together (BEST) Act"; enact
Last Action
House Second Readers
2/2/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available