WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 301

Commending Tarrick McGuire.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Ebbin

Creates the Georgia Senate Rosenwald Schools Study Committee to document history and impact of Rosenwald schools, study needs, and recommend action; sunset Dec 1, 2025.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR301ER)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 301

Summary — SR 301 (Senate Resolution) — Rosenwald Schools Study Committee

Note: The packet provided contains two different Senate resolutions both labeled SR 301. The primary text below summarizes the Georgia Senate Resolution that creates a study committee on Rosenwald schools (sponsored by multiple Georgia senators). The packet also includes an Illinois memorial resolution for James E. “Jim” Kidder (a separate, unrelated SR 0301); a brief note on that memorial appears at the end.

Purpose and intent

SR 301 establishes a temporary Senate study committee to document and examine the history, scope, and impact of Rosenwald schools in Georgia. The resolution recognizes the Rosenwald program’s role—led by Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington—in funding and matching community-built schools for Black children in the early 20th century, and it seeks to assess that legacy (educational, economic, cultural) which the resolution characterizes as “largely unknown and hidden history.”

Key provisions

  • Creation: Establishes the “Senate Rosenwald Schools Study Committee.”
  • Membership and leadership: Five members of the Georgia Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate. The President designates the chairperson.
  • Scope/Duties: Study the conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to Rosenwald schools in Georgia and recommend any actions or legislation the committee deems appropriate.
  • Meetings: Chair calls meetings, which may be held at times/places the committee deems necessary.
  • Allowances and funding:
    • Legislative members receive allowances per O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8.
    • Allowances are limited to five days per member unless additional days are authorized.
    • Funding for the committee’s work comes from funds appropriated to the Senate.
  • Reporting:
    • If the committee adopts findings or recommendations (including proposed legislation), the chair must file a report before the committee’s abolishment.
    • Reports must be approved by majority vote of a quorum, signed by the chair, and filed with the Secretary of the Senate.
    • If no approved report exists, the chair may file meeting minutes instead.
  • Sunset: The committee is abolished on December 1, 2025.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Primary: Members of the Georgia Senate who will serve on the committee.
  • Secondary: Historians, state education officials, local communities where Rosenwald schools existed (Georgia had more than 240 Rosenwald schools in 103 of 159 counties, with at least 35,000 former students), preservationists, and potentially state agencies if legislative recommendations are made.
  • Potential outcomes: Increased historical documentation, preservation recommendations, public awareness, and possible proposed legislation or policy changes related to historical markers, school preservation, education history curricula, or community heritage funding.

Timeline & procedural status

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Committee abolished (automatic): December 1, 2025
  • Legislative action: Resolution adopted by the Senate (reported enrolled and adopted March–May 2025). Sponsors include a bipartisan group of Georgia senators (e.g., Kenya Wicks, Sally Harrell, Nabilah Islam Parkes, Elena Parent, David Lucas, Donzella James, Gail Davenport, Nikki Merritt, Emanuel Jones, Tonya Anderson, among others).

Note — Separate Illinois memorial resolution (SR 0301)

The packet also contains an Illinois Senate resolution (SR 0301) memorializing James Eugene “Jim” Kidder (d. April 15, 2025). That resolution expresses condolences to his family and recounts his life and service to music education and the community. It is a distinct, unrelated legislative document.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.