Legislative Day 28 which was Crossover Day and usually very eventful. This Crossover Day was less eventful for K-12 Education than in the past. There was an almost carnival-like atmosphere in the Capitol with Democrats presenting more bills than I have ever seen with a Republican-dominated legislature and the kidding and joking that went on during the presentations in the Well of each chamber was an unusual dynamic to witness throughout the night.
House Bills that passed on our radar:
HB 846 – Rep. Leverett – Provides that each school system beginning July 1, 2024, shall communicate whether as an employee of the school system social security is a part of the benefits received. This must be communicated at least once every five years.
HB 1021 – Rep. Stephens – Local Government option to offer a state-wide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes – A creative method to offer 65 years and older to earn a credit of $10 per hour (volunteer work) toward property tax credit with a maximum of $500 per year.
HB 1031 – Rep. Washburn – requires reassessment every three years, requires disclosures of what the millage rate would be, and adds an adjustment to the sales ratio survey. It includes language that says, If the millage exceeds the rollback rate, the tax assessor must ensure that the notice says which taxing authority did not roll back. And there will be a tax increase.
HB 1104 – Rep. Crawford – requires athletic associations to post mental health resources for coaches and student-athletes, requires coaches to review approved videos about mental health, and informs parents and student-athletes about mental health risks.
HB 1122 – Rep. Hilton – provides for funding requirements for superintendents and principals for local and state charter schools, allows part-time employees who work at least 20 hours per week to have their children attend the charter school, and clarifies conflicts of interest around which charter school employees can serve on state and charter boards. This is a sign of the attempt to fund charters as the state funds K-12 public schools.
Senate Bills that passed on our radar:
SB 202 – Sen. Rahman – Public School Property and Facilities; Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Program.
SB 395 – Sen. Dixon – Schools to possess opioid antagonists for potential intervention. Narcan is the treatment for opioid/fentanyl overdose. Unfortunately, there is no funding for this for schools. The newest language softens the requirements to lessen the financial burden for schools. It does not eliminate the cost just lowers the bar. This will move to the House for further discussion. Liability for administering is addressed in the bill. Removes any liability from teachers/administrators.
SB 464 – Sen. Dixon – School Supplies for Teachers Program. If funding is available teachers will receive support from the state. An amendment was tacked on to require the use of the state-provided free universal screener by all districts. This was added by Sen Billy Hickman during the Senate’s consideration of this bill.
The Governor signed the 2024 Amended Budget into law on this Crossover day as well. A full analysis of the signed amended budget is forthcoming. I did not see any significant changes in K-12 education allocations.
GSSA Business reminders:
The deadline for receiving President’s Award nominations is March 15, 2024, send your nomination to jzauner@gssaweb.com.
The deadline for the Trailblazer Award is March 8, 2024, send your nomination to jzauner@gssaweb.com.
Both of these awards are presented at Spring Bootstrap in Savannah.
Spring Bootstrap April 10-11, 2024, registration is open and hotel accommodations are quickly filling up. Go to www.gssaweb.org to complete your registrations.
Quote: When you are in any contest you should work as if there were, to the very last minute, a chance to lose it. Dwight Eisenhower
Day 29 will begin on Monday, March 4, 2024. The real mischief will begin as we race toward the end of this 2024 session on March 28th. Thank you for all you do to advocate for K-12 education in Georgia. Have a great weekend!
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