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HB 602

Education; denial of state funds for loans, grants, and scholarships for any student convicted of a criminal offense; provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carter Barrett and 5 co-sponsors

HB 602 denies state funds to students convicted of disruptive conduct on college campuses, impacting their financial aid eligibility and promoting campus safety.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
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Bill Summary · HB 602

Summary of HB 602: Denial of State Funds for Students Convicted of Criminal Offenses

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 602 (HB 602) aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to establish provisions for denying state funds—such as loans, grants, and scholarships—to students convicted of criminal offenses resulting from materially and substantially disruptive conduct on the campuses of postsecondary educational institutions. The bill seeks to enhance campus safety and maintain an environment conducive to education.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions: The bill introduces specific definitions for terms such as "campus," "convicted," "criminal offense," and "materially and substantially disruptive conduct."

    • Materially and Substantially Disruptive Conduct: This includes actions like fighting, damaging property, blocking access to campus facilities, and harassment that significantly hinders others' ability to participate in educational activities.

  • Denial of State Funds:

    • Any student convicted of a criminal offense related to disruptive conduct will be denied state funds for loans, grants, or scholarships effective from the first day of the academic term following their conviction.
    • The denial will last for the duration of the next academic term, quarter, or semester.

  • Compliance Requirement: Postsecondary educational institutions receiving state funds must comply with these provisions to ensure their students remain eligible for state financial assistance.

  • Rule Promulgation: The Georgia Student Finance Commission is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement the bill's provisions, including processes for relief from sanctions if a conviction is overturned.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The bill directly impacts students enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions who may face financial penalties due to criminal convictions for disruptive conduct.
  • Postsecondary Educational Institutions: Institutions must comply with the new regulations to maintain eligibility for state funding for their students.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Legislative Actions:
    • February 26, 2025: First Readers in the House
    • February 27, 2025: Second Readers in the House
    • March 6, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee on Higher Education
    • April 4, 2025: House Withdrawn and Recommitted

Conclusion

HB 602 represents a significant shift in how state financial assistance is administered to students in Georgia, particularly those involved in criminal activities that disrupt educational environments. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining order on campuses while outlining clear consequences for students who engage in disruptive behavior.

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

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