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GA SB589
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/3/2022
Primary Sponsor
Greg Dolezal
Click for details
AI Summary
- Establishes state-funded educational scholarship accounts (ESAs) allowing eligible students to use public funds for qualified private education expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring by certified educators, curriculum purchases, licensed therapy services, online learning programs, and up to $500/year for transportation
- Eligible students must be Georgia residents and meet one of several criteria: family income below 200% of the federal poverty level, adopted from foster care, child of active duty military stationed in Georgia, having a documented disability with an IEP, documented bullying victim, or prior-year attendance at a Georgia public school
- Participation is capped at 0.5% of statewide public school enrollment in the first year, increasing by 0.5% annually to a maximum of 5%; priority admission is given to low-income, foster care, military, disability, and bullying categories, with remaining spots filled by random selection
- Account funding equals the state per-pupil amount (excluding federal funds) that would have been allocated for the student in their resident school system, disbursed quarterly; unused funds roll over annually and may be applied to postsecondary education after high school graduation
- The Governor's Office of Student Achievement administers the program, may deduct up to 3% for administrative costs, must conduct annual random audits, and must submit an annual report to the General Assembly by December 1 covering student performance, parent satisfaction, spending breakdowns, and fiscal impact
Legislative Description
'Georgia Educational Scholarship Act'; enact
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
3/4/2022
Committee Referrals
Education and Youth3/4/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available