Bill > HB12

This bill amends Georgia's education funding law by revising the definition of a "qualified local school system" and adjusting equalization grant requirements. Specifically, the bill reduces the minimum required millage rate (a property tax rate used to fund local schools) from 14 mills to 10 mills, effective July 1, 2025. If a local school system's millage rate falls below this new 10-mill threshold, their equalization grant (a state funding mechanism designed to help school systems with lower property tax bases) will be reduced to 75% of the original amount. The bill also mandates that the Department of Education create an annual report detailing equalization grant information for each local school system, including initial grant amounts, midterm adjustments, and a ten-year grant history. This report must be submitted by September 1st to various legislative and budgetary oversight committees. The purpose appears to be providing more flexibility to local school systems while maintaining accountability for their tax effort and ensuring transparency in state education funding.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69292