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HB 192

Top State for Talent Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Dubnik and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 192 enhances career education in Georgia, aligning programs with workforce needs, boosting student employability, and providing hands-on learning opportunities.

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Bill Summary · HB 192

Summary of House Bill 192: Top State for Talent Act

Overview

House Bill 192, titled the Top State for Talent Act, aims to enhance career education in Georgia by aligning educational programs with the state's high-demand career needs. The bill was introduced on January 30, 2025, and became effective on July 1, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 192 is to:
- Improve career education for students in grades 6-12.
- Ensure that educational programs are aligned with the High-demand Career List published by the State Workforce Development Board.
- Provide students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the workforce.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the education code:

1. Career Education Curriculum

  • The State Board of Education is required to prescribe a minimum course of study in career education that includes:
    • Career exploration and learning experiences.
    • Participation in work-based learning programs (e.g., internships, apprenticeships).
    • Rigorous industry credentialing endorsed by Georgia employers.

2. Focused Programs of Study

  • The Department of Education will develop and the State Board will approve state models and industry-required content standards for various focused programs of study, including but not limited to:
    • Agriculture, Health Science, Information Technology, and Manufacturing.
  • Programs must align with the High-demand Career List.

3. Dual Enrollment Program Enhancements

  • The bill extends the final report deadline for a program allowing students in the Dual Enrollment program to access HOPE grant funds for eligible Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses.

4. Competitive Grant Program

  • The annual competitive grant program for equipment renovation and modernization will now include programs listed in the High-demand Career List.

5. Individual College and Career Plans

  • The bill mandates the creation of individual college and career plans for students in grades 6-12 to guide their educational and career pathways.

6. Repeals and Adjustments

  • Certain competitive grant programs and reporting requirements for the Technical College System of Georgia will be repealed.
  • Conforming changes and definitions will be updated throughout the education code.

Impact

The Top State for Talent Act is expected to:
- Enhance the alignment of educational programs with workforce needs, thereby improving student employability.
- Provide students with more opportunities for hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials.
- Support the state's economic development by ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the demands of Georgia's industries.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • February 3, 2025: First readers in the House.
  • February 21, 2025: Passed in the House.
  • March 28, 2025: Passed in the Senate.
  • May 12, 2025: Signed by the Governor; Act 117.
  • July 1, 2025: Effective date.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HB 192, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on Georgia's education and workforce development landscape.

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

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