Bill > SR553

This resolution creates a Senate Study Committee on Funding for Charter School Capital Improvements, which will be composed of five senators (three appointed by the Senate President and two by the Minority Leader) to investigate funding challenges faced by charter schools. The committee's primary purpose is to examine disparities in capital improvement funding between charter schools and traditional public schools, reviewing current funding mechanisms like Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST), bond financing, and capital outlay grants. The committee will gather testimony from charter school leaders and education stakeholders, analyze funding limitations, and explore potential policy solutions to ensure equitable access to capital improvement funding. The committee is authorized to hold up to four meetings, with members receiving standard legislative allowances, and is required to file a report with findings and potential legislative recommendations by December 1, 2025. The resolution highlights that charter schools currently face significant challenges in securing funding for facilities, often relying on operating budgets or private financing, which can hinder their ability to make long-term infrastructure investments.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72056