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GeorgiaHB 3712025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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)

Became Law

EducationEducation and YouthGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher cap for school construction funds

Beginning with fiscal year 2027, the State Board sets an annual authorization for school capital outlay funds. The maximum it can authorize is $375 million each year, up from $300 million. The cap is updated every year using current construction cost data. Budget materials for the Governor and Legislature must also show at least three lower funding levels. The Board may still set the yearly authorization below the cap, including zero.

Accessible playgrounds at new elementary schools

For any new elementary school built on or after July 1, 2027 that has a playground, the playground must be inclusive and usable by all students. It must have a sidewalk from the school and be at least 10,000 square feet. The area must be fenced and at least 20% shaded. At least 80% of the surface must be a unitary material like turf, bonded rubber, or poured-in-place rubber. It must include several accessible features, such as adaptive swings, communication or Braille panels, musical pieces, wheelchair-accessible structures, and roller slides. It must support state-mandated recess and work as an outdoor classroom.

Schools can use wood construction

Beginning July 1, 2025, the State Board’s minimum facility rules cannot ban wood construction in public schools. Wood is allowed if the building meets the state minimum standard codes as they existed on January 1, 2014. "State minimum standard codes" has the meaning set in Georgia law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • John Corbett

    Republican • House

  • Matt Dubnik

    Republican • House

  • Chris Erwin

    Republican • House

  • Gerald Greene

    Republican • House

  • Rick Townsend

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Steven McNeel

    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

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 50 • No: 4

House vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 170 • No: 2

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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