WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 476

Senate Study Committee on Local School System Flexibility Options; create

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Dixon and 7 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 476 establishes a committee to evaluate flexibility waivers for Georgia schools, aiming to improve educational outcomes and ensure accountability.

Senate Passed/Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 476

Summary of Senate Resolution 476

Bill Number: SR 476
Title: Senate Study Committee on Local School System Flexibility Options; create
Status: Senate Passed/Adopted
Introduced: March 27, 2025
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 476 aims to establish a Senate Study Committee on Local School System Flexibility Options in Georgia. The primary goal of this committee is to evaluate the effectiveness and implications of existing waivers that allow local school systems and charter schools to bypass certain state regulations. These waivers are intended to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency, but their long-term impact on student performance and teacher retention requires thorough examination.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation of the Committee:

    • The resolution creates a Senate Study Committee specifically focused on local school system flexibility options.

  2. Membership:

    • The committee will consist of six members of the Senate:
      • Four members appointed by the President of the Senate.
      • Two members appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.
    • The President will designate a chairperson for the committee.

  3. Powers and Duties:

    • The committee is tasked with studying the conditions, needs, and issues related to the waivers and making recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

  4. Meetings:

    • The chairperson will call meetings, which can be held at various times and locations as deemed necessary.

  5. Allowances and Funding:

    • Legislative members will receive allowances as per Georgia law, but no member can receive allowances for more than five days unless additional days are authorized.
    • Funding for the committee's activities will come from appropriated Senate funds.

  6. Reporting:

    • The committee must file a report of its findings and recommendations before its abolishment date, which is set for December 1, 2025.
    • Reports must be approved by a majority vote of the committee members.

  7. Abolishment:

    • The committee will automatically dissolve on December 1, 2025, unless extended by further legislative action.

Impact

The establishment of this committee is expected to:
- Provide a comprehensive review of the flexibility waivers currently in place for local school systems and charter schools.
- Assess whether these waivers have positively influenced educational outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Address concerns regarding equity and accountability in education across Georgia's local school systems.

Given that nearly all local school systems in Georgia currently hold class size waivers, the findings of this committee could have significant implications for educational policy and practice in the state.

Legislative Actions

  • April 2, 2025: Senate Passed/Adopted
  • March 31, 2025: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
  • March 31, 2025: Senate Read Second Time
  • March 28, 2025: Senate Read and Referred
  • March 27, 2025: Senate Hopper

This resolution reflects a proactive approach to evaluating educational policies and ensuring that local school systems can effectively meet the needs of their students while maintaining accountability and quality in education.

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

Sign in to ask a question.