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HB 1135

Education; participate in federal tax credit program for contributions of individuals to scholarship granting organizations; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chas Cannon and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill authorizes participation in federal tax credit program enabling taxpayers to fund private scholarship organizations while receiving federal tax credits.

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Bill Summary · HB 1135

Legislative bill overview

HB 1135 would enable Georgia to participate in the federal education tax credit program, allowing individual taxpayers to receive federal tax credits for donations made to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) that provide educational scholarships to students. The bill essentially creates a mechanism for private individuals to fund scholarships through tax-advantaged contributions, with the state coordinating participation in the existing federal tax credit framework.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects education funding mechanisms and student access to scholarships. It creates an alternative funding pathway for educational scholarships beyond traditional state appropriations, potentially expanding scholarship availability while incentivizing private charitable giving through federal tax benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Public funding concerns: Critics may argue this redirects federal tax revenue (through foregone federal taxes) to private scholarship organizations rather than public education systems, potentially reducing overall public education funding
  • Equity and access questions: Scholarship granting organizations may not equitably serve all student populations; concerns about whether SGOs prioritize certain schools, regions, or student demographics over others
  • Accountability and transparency: Private SGOs may operate with less public oversight than traditional scholarship programs, raising questions about how funds are allocated and whether they meet public education priorities

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

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