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SR 474

Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability; create

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Max Burns and 4 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 474 creates a committee to explore solutions for making higher education more affordable in Georgia, addressing high student loan debt and access issues.

Senate Passed/Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 474

Summary of Senate Resolution 474: Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SR 474
- Title: Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability; create
- Status: Senate Passed/Adopted
- Introduced: March 26, 2025
- Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 474 aims to establish a Senate Study Committee focused on addressing the affordability of higher education in Georgia. The resolution recognizes the pressing issue of high student loan debt in the state and the need for improved postsecondary education access, particularly as job market demands evolve.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation of the Committee:

    • A Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability is established to explore ways to make higher education more affordable for Georgians.

  2. Membership:

    • The committee will consist of five members from the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, who will also designate a chairperson.

  3. Powers and Duties:

    • The committee is tasked with studying the conditions, needs, and issues related to higher education affordability. It will recommend any necessary actions or legislation.

  4. Meetings:

    • The chairperson will call meetings, which can be held at various times and locations as deemed necessary for the committee's work.

  5. Allowances and Funding:

    • Committee members will receive allowances as specified in Georgia law. Funding for the committee's activities will come from the Senate's appropriated funds.

  6. Reporting Requirements:

    • The committee must file a report with findings and recommendations before its abolishment on December 1, 2025. Reports must be approved by a majority vote of the committee.

  7. Abolishment:

    • The committee will be dissolved on December 1, 2025, unless extended or modified by further legislative action.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The resolution primarily impacts students and potential students in Georgia, particularly those facing financial barriers to higher education. It also affects educational institutions and policymakers involved in higher education funding and access.

  • Contextual Background:

    • Georgia ranks third in the nation for student loan debt per borrower, with a postsecondary completion rate of only 50.8% among young adults. The establishment of this committee is a response to these challenges, aiming to explore solutions such as a means-tested scholarship program.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 26, 2025: Bill introduced and placed in the Senate hopper.
  • March 27, 2025: Read and referred to committee.
  • March 28, 2025: Favorably reported by the committee and read a second time.
  • April 2, 2025: Senate passed/adopted the resolution.

This resolution represents a proactive step by the Georgia Senate to address the critical issue of higher education affordability, with the potential for significant legislative recommendations to emerge from the study committee's work.

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

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