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GeorgiaHB 3712025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Quality Basic Education Act; state's maximum authorization of capital outlay funding; provide for an increase

Sponsored By: John Corbett (Republican), Matt Dubnik (Republican), Chris Erwin (Republican), Gerald Greene (Republican), Rick Townsend (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationEducation and YouthGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Safer schools and accessible playgrounds for children

Effective July 1, 2025, the State Board of Education must set minimum standards for certifying public school facilities. These cover fire and physical safety, sanitation, health, temperature, ventilation, classroom space and layout, and building strength and suitability. Wood construction is allowed when it meets state minimum building codes in effect on January 1, 2014. New elementary schools constructed on or after July 1, 2027, must meet inclusive-design rules if they include a playground. Each playground must have a school sidewalk or path, at least 10,000 square feet, and fencing around the entire area. Shade must cover at least 20%, and continuous surfacing, such as turf or poured rubber, must cover at least 80%. Multiple accessible play features must sit on that surfacing and support physical, sensory, learning, social, emotional, imaginative, and communication needs. Examples include communication boards, accessible swings, and wheelchair-accessible equipment. Playgrounds must offer varied sensory experiences and age- and ability-appropriate challenges so children of all abilities can participate and succeed. They must also support state-required recess and serve as outdoor classrooms open to all students.

Higher funding cap for Georgia school construction

Effective July 1, 2025, the law raises Georgia’s annual school construction funding cap from $300 million to $375 million. The new cap applies to applications for fiscal year 2027 and later. The maximum adjusts annually using the Department of Education’s current construction cost data. The state may authorize less, including zero, but cannot exceed the adjusted maximum. For funding talks with the Governor and General Assembly, calculations must include at least three funding levels below that maximum. This higher ceiling does not guarantee that schools receive more money.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • John Corbett

    Republican • House

  • Matt Dubnik

    Republican • House

  • Chris Erwin

    Republican • House

  • Gerald Greene

    Republican • House

  • Rick Townsend

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • John F. Kennedy

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 388 • No: 9

House vote • 4/4/2025

Agree to Senate Substitute

Yes: 168 • No: 3 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 50 • No: 4 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 170 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/9/2025House

  3. Act 85

    5/9/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/9/2025House

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/4/2025House

  6. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2025Senate

  7. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. Senate Read Second Time

    3/25/2025Senate

  9. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/21/2025Senate

  10. Senate Read and Referred

    3/10/2025Senate

  11. House Third Readers

    3/6/2025House

  12. House Passed/Adopted

    3/6/2025House

  13. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/28/2025House

  14. House Second Readers

    2/12/2025House

  15. House First Readers

    2/11/2025House

  16. House Hopper

    2/10/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 371/AP* (v5)

    PDF

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