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Bill

SB 212

"Quality Basic Education Act"; disclosure of public student directory information to political candidates or persons or groups acting on their behalf; prohibit

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Albers and 4 co-sponsors

Georgia law prohibits schools from sharing student directory information with political candidates and campaigns, restricting political outreach to student households.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · SB 212

Legislative bill overview

SB 212 prohibits Georgia public schools from disclosing student directory information (such as names, addresses, and contact details) to political candidates, campaigns, or groups acting on their behalf. The bill was signed into law in May 2025 and took effect immediately.

Why is this important

Student directory information has historically been available to various parties under federal law (FERPA exceptions), making it a resource for political outreach and voter contact efforts. This Georgia law restricts that access, affecting how campaigns can build voter contact lists and conduct outreach to student households. It represents a shift toward limiting commercial and political use of school directory data, which some view as protecting student privacy and others see as limiting political participation methods.

Potential points of contention

  • Political access vs. privacy: Campaigns argue directory information is essential for voter contact and civic engagement; privacy advocates contend students and families deserve protection from unsolicited political solicitation
  • Scope of "directory information": The definition of what constitutes restricted directory information and what exceptions might exist (e.g., news media, nonprofits) could determine the law's practical impact
  • Implementation challenges: Schools must establish processes to verify requesters' identities and intent, creating administrative burden and potential inconsistencies in enforcement

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

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