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Bill > HB971
GA HB971
GA HB971Quality Basic Education Act; home study students and private school students to enroll in college and career academies located in certain RESA service areas and adjacent local school systems; provide
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other education programs under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide for home study students and private school students to enroll in college and career academies located in certain RESA service areas and adjacent local school systems; to revise what courses are available to such students; to revise a definition; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill expands opportunities for home study and private school students to enroll in college and career academies, which are specialized schools offering career and technical education, by allowing them to attend academies located not only within their own school district but also within the same Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) service area or in an adjacent local school system, even if that adjacent system is in a different RESA. The bill also clarifies that "course" refers to eligible Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses, and that these students must meet the same enrollment and participation requirements as public school students, including adhering to school rules and paying any applicable fees, while transportation remains their responsibility. Furthermore, local school boards will receive state funding (FTE funds) for these students based on their attendance, similar to how they do for nonresident students, and will not be allowed to charge tuition for these academy courses. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to the school year beginning in 2026-2027.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (6)
Buddy Deloach (R)*,
Mitchell Horner (R)*,
Todd Jones (R)*,
Angela O'Steen (R)*,
Lynn Smith (R)*,
Rick Townsend (R)*,
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported (on 02/06/2026)
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/72220 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/239837 |
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