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Bill > HB200
GA HB200
State Board of Education; establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools; provide
summary
Introduced
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
In Committee
03/27/2025
03/27/2025
Crossed Over
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to provide for the use of local school system facilities by certain youth groups; to provide for a definition; to require that each new elementary school constructed on or after July 1, 2027, shall include a playground meeting certain standards; to provide playground design standards and minimum guidelines; to provide for the State Board of Education to establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools; to provide for eligibility; to provide for grant funds for eligible public elementary schools to develop and implement immersive writing programs for students in grades two through five; to provide for applications and selection to participate in the pilot program; to provide for assessment and reporting on the impacts of the pilot program; to authorize the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the pilot program; to provide for automatic repeal; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes two major initiatives for Georgia's public elementary schools: a comprehensive playground design requirement and a three-year pilot immersive writing program. For new elementary schools constructed after July 1, 2027, the bill mandates playgrounds with specific accessibility and design standards, including sensory-diverse environments, minimum square footage, fencing, shaded areas, specialized surfacing, and inclusive equipment like communication boards, accessible swings, and wheelchair-compatible play structures. The immersive writing program, set to launch in the 2026-2027 school year, will provide up to $2 million annually in grants to eligible public elementary schools serving grades two through five, with the goal of improving student literacy and engagement in writing. Schools must apply by January 1, 2026, and the Department of Education will monitor and assess the program, providing annual reports to the State Board of Education. Additionally, the bill encourages local school systems to allow patriotic youth organizations like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to use school facilities for civic education purposes. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and will automatically expire on July 1, 2029.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (7)
Bethany Ballard (R)*,
Debra Bazemore (D)*,
Matt Dubnik (R)*,
Carolyn Hugley (D)*,
Todd Jones (R)*,
Tanya Miller (D)*,
John Kennedy (R),
Last Action
Senate Tabled (on 04/02/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69716 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/237435 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/235241 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/234560 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/230822 |
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