GSSA Daily Capitol Report
March 2, 2026
Legislative Committee Workday
The full House Education Committee met at 1 p.m. and considered the following:
HR 1206 (Jones-R) requires local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to consider the total cost of ownership and related factors when purchasing school technology devices. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE
Recommendation, not a mandate. This now specifies devices costing more than $100, and the reporting deadline is moved to October.
HB 1114 (Yearta-R) allows students in ninth and tenth grade to complete the high school graduation financial literacy course requirement. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE
Previously, the requirement was limited to grades 11-12. Including 9-10, in this bill.
HB 1269 (Wade – R)provides for content standards for digital literacy instruction. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE
Online safety, digital citizenship, and artificial intelligence standards to be developed by GaDOE.
HB 829 (Beckles-D) requires GaDOE to publish guidance relating to best practices for secure browsing and parental controls. DO PASS
Annual evaluation and reporting by the Attorney General’s Office. Discussion centered around whether the AG or GaDOE would have the reporting requirement.
HB 1244 (Ali – D) requires that the duty-free lunch period and planning period requirements not be waivable unless there are emergencies. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED
Questions were asked relative to whether the State or LEA would implement and fund the hourly rate called for in the legislation.
An amendment was made and approved to remove the portion that called for hourly pay for teachers who participated in supervision during lunch periods.
HB 1327 (Ridley – R) provides for the installation of key boxes at each school building in locations determined in collaboration with local law enforcement. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED
If LEAs have already implemented electronic or similar systems, they would be exempt, and local School Boards can make a determination as to placement with local law enforcement agencies.
HB 1232 (Cheokas – R) provides that certain students (Girl Scouts) be excused from school for participating in certain officially sanctioned visits to the state capitol. DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED
Rep. Cheokas named the bill after his granddaughter. Discussion centered around local decision-making regarding excused/unexcused absences.
An amendment to add Boys Scouts of America to the bill was made and passed.
Crossover day is Friday, March 6, 2026. (Last day for bills to pass one chamber to follow the traditional path for consideration during this session.)
Italics – Additional commentary and explanation on specific legislation.
