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HR 711

House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education; create

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chas Cannon and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes a temporary Georgia House Study Committee to examine chronic PreK-12 absenteeism and recommend actions or legislation; sunset Dec 1, 2025.

House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
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Bill Summary · HR 711

Summary — HR 711: House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK–12 Education (FAIR Act of 2025)

Status: Introduced Jan 23, 2025 — House Passed/Adopted by Substitute (Apr 17, 2025)
Type: House resolution (study committee)
Primary sponsors (GA House): Chris Erwin, Will Wade, Matt Dubnik, Mike Cheokas, Chas Cannon (additional cosponsors listed)

Purpose / Intent

HR 711 (styled in the introductory language as the Fairness, Anti‑discrimination and Individual Rights Act of 2025 or the FAIR Act of 2025) creates a temporary House Study Committee to examine chronic absenteeism in PreK–12 education across the state. The resolution frames chronic absenteeism as a key barrier to literacy, academic success, and workforce readiness and seeks a comprehensive review to identify root causes and recommend legislative or policy responses.

Key findings cited in the resolution

  • Chronic absenteeism defined as missing ≥10% of school days.
  • State chronic absenteeism rate cited at 21.7% (2024).
  • Atlanta Public Schools: 35.4% (2022–23), up from 21% (2018–19).
  • Decatur County Schools: 38.1% (2023–24), up from 22.1% (2018–19).
  • Contributing factors noted: health, family instability, socioeconomic barriers, transportation, and school climate.
  • References a Dec 2024 Department of Education summit on the issue.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK–12 Education.
  • Membership: six members of the Georgia House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker; the Speaker designates the chair.
  • Charge: study conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to student attendance; recommend actions or legislation as appropriate.
  • Meetings: convened by the chair; held as needed.
  • Allowances/funding:
    • Legislative members receive allowances under O.C.G.A. § 28‑1‑8.
    • Substitute version limits allowances/expenses to no more than three days per member unless additional days authorized (original draft allowed five days).
    • Committee expenses to come from funds appropriated to the House of Representatives.
  • Reporting:
    • Chair files any approved reports (including recommended legislation) with the Clerk of the House prior to abolishment.
    • Reports must be approved by majority vote of a quorum; in absence of an approved report, meeting minutes may be filed.
  • Sunset: committee abolished on December 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Primary focus: PreK–12 students, particularly those subject to chronic absenteeism.
  • Secondary stakeholders: parents, school districts, educators, state education agencies, community organizations, and legislators (who may receive legislative recommendations).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: Jan 23, 2025; referred to multiple House committees for jurisdictional review.
  • Passed/Adopted by Substitute in the House: Apr 17, 2025.
  • Committee must complete work and submit any reports before the December 1, 2025 abolishment date.

Potential impact

HR 711 does not itself change policy or appropriate new program funds; instead, it creates a mechanism for lawmakers to gather information and produce recommendations. Findings and recommendations could lead to subsequent legislation addressing attendance interventions, cross‑agency coordination, funding priorities, or statutory changes related to chronic absenteeism.

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

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