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Bill > SB479

GA SB479

GA SB479
Compulsory Attendance; adopt a policy that students shall be granted not less than one excused absence for attending or participating in a civic or political event; require the local governing body

summary

Introduced
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Subpart 2 of Part 1 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compulsory attendance relative to elementary and secondary school students, so as to require the local governing body for each school system and public school to adopt a policy providing that students shall be granted not less than one excused absence per school year for attending or participating in a civic or political event; to require the State Board of Education to develop a model policy; to provide a definition; to provide a short title; 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 requires local school systems and public schools in Georgia to adopt a policy allowing students at least one excused absence per school year for attending or participating in a "civic or political event," which is defined to include activities like strikes, public comments, candidate speeches, political forums, town halls, or protests. Parents or guardians, or students who are 18 or older or emancipated, must notify the school at least one school day in advance of the absence and provide documentation. The State Board of Education will create a model policy for schools to use, and this new law will take effect on July 1, 2026, applying to the 2026-2027 school year.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Senate Read and Referred (on 02/10/2026)

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