DAY 20

Today marked the half way point of the 2015 Legislative Session. Each day brings a little more urgency for the legislators. There are now only ten legislative days for bills to crossover to the other chamber. The race is on.

The House met and passed HB70, designating the White Tail Deer as the official state mammal, and HB177, school personnel required to report child abuse shall be notified by child protective agency upon receipt of report and completion of investigation.

The Senate met and sent SB89, the “Digital Classroom Act” back to committee. The request was made by Senator Albers, the author of the bill. This law would require “on and after July 1, 2020, each local board of education shall provide a laptop, tablet, or other wireless electronic device to each of its students for use as the principal source of reading or accessing instructional materials and content.” This bill now will move from committee through the rules committee and back to the full Senate for a vote.

The Senate Education and Youth Committee met and heard SB 133 and SR 287, regarding the Opportunity School District. After presentation of the bill, Senators on the committee, as well as members of the community, were able to ask questions. Dr. Lanoue, Clarke County Schools Superintendent, was one of the presenters. After a two hour meeting, the committee will meet again on Wednesday to continue the hearing. Please take a moment to review the bill and resolution and discuss your thoughts with your local delegation and members of the Senate Education and Youth Committee.

The House Academic Achievement and Curriculum Sub Committee of Education recommended to the full House Education Committee the following three bills: SB2, students who complete certain requirements relating to postsecondary coursework awarded a high school diploma; HB372, the Utopian Academy for the Arts Act (this bill will only affect approved charter school occupancy permits); and HR303, a resolution to urge the GDOE to develop and implement comprehensive civics education curricula.

HB 85 is currently residing in the House Rules Committee. A requested amendment to the bill would allow alcohol sales for businesses adjoining school property. If we can get a copy of the amendment, we will share it with you in an upcoming report.

The House and Senate will meet for the twenty-first day of the legislative session on Tuesday. The House and Senate have no Education bills of interest on the agenda at this time.

The House Appropriations Committee will meet starting at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday to discuss the FY16 budget.

Here is a reminder of the last GSBA / GSSA Legislative Site Visit.

Please register for your visit on the GSBA website. Your registration helps us to prepare for your visit.

March 3 - Districts 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 - 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.. The legislators are scheduled to be in session that day.