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HB 1294

Education; grace period of up to 180 days for transfer students to be evaluated for and receive medical and education services based upon medical forms executed by out-of-state physicians; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marvin Lim and 3 co-sponsors

Georgia schools must accept out-of-state physician medical forms for 180 days to evaluate and provide services to transfer students without requiring immediate re-evaluation.

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Bill Summary · HB 1294

Legislative bill overview

HB 1294 allows Georgia schools to accept medical forms completed by out-of-state physicians for up to 180 days when evaluating transfer students for special education and related medical services. This creates a grace period for families relocating to Georgia rather than requiring immediate re-evaluation by in-state licensed providers. The bill streamlines the transition process for students who move across state lines mid-school year.

Why is this important

Transfer students with disabilities or medical needs often face service delays when moving states because of varying licensing and documentation requirements. This bill reduces administrative burden on families and schools during transitions, ensuring continuity of care and educational services. It addresses a practical gap for military families, job relocations, and other interstate moves that currently interrupt student services.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of acceptance: Unclear whether all out-of-state medical forms qualify equally or if certain specialties/credentials receive different weight, potentially creating inconsistent implementation
  • Liability and standards variance: Different states have different medical licensing standards; accepting out-of-state diagnoses without re-evaluation could result in inappropriate service placements or missed conditions
  • 180-day window adequacy: The grace period may be insufficient for comprehensive re-evaluation in complex cases, or alternatively could delay necessary updated assessments if interpreted too permissively

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

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