GA HR898

Creates the Joint Study Committee on the Establishment of a State Accreditation Process to examine whether Georgia should develop a state-level accreditation system for primary and secondary public schools, which currently rely on private accreditation organizations.

The committee's study scope includes assessing necessary resources and structure, aligning accreditation with charter/contract renewals, establishing annual review processes covering student achievement, governance, and financial management, and potential consequences for losing accreditation such as removal of local board members.

Committee membership consists of 3 House members, 3 Senate members, the State School Superintendent, chairs/directors of key education entities (State Board of Education, Charter Schools Commission, Office of Student Achievement, University System of Georgia), and 5 Governor-appointed members representing a local board member, superintendent, principal, teacher, and parent.

Legislative members receive standard allowances under Code Section 28-1-8, while non-government members receive a daily expense allowance and mileage; allowances are capped at 5 days unless additional days are authorized.

The committee must file any approved report with the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate prior to its abolishment date of December 1, 2018.