GeorgiaSB 1232025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Compulsory Attendance; provisions of the state's compulsory school attendance laws; update and revise

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Brandon Beach (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Bill Cowsert (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationEducation and YouthGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Students cannot be expelled for absences

Georgia public schools cannot expel a student solely because of absences. The protection applies when absences are the only basis for expulsion.

Attendance penalties and notices for parents

Beginning July 1, 2025, Georgia's attendance rules cover biological parents, legal guardians, custodians, and others legally authorized to act for children. Violations can bring $25–$100 fines, up to 30 days in jail, or community service. After notice of five unexcused absences, each later absence that violates attendance rules counts as a separate offense. After two unanswered reasonable contact attempts, schools must send certified mail, with a return receipt requested, before court proceedings. Schools must provide written consequence summaries and seek signed acknowledgments from parents and children age 10 or older. Related child-custody rules now refer to a “parent or guardian,” rather than also naming other people controlling the child.

Attendance exemptions protect students and graduates

Georgia's compulsory attendance rules generally cover children ages 6–16. They no longer apply after a child completes all requirements for a high school diploma or state-approved equivalency diploma. Public-school absences excused by the local board under applicable rules are exempt from compulsory attendance requirements. Private-school and home-study exemptions cover sickness, emergencies, and similar reasons allowed by law or state education policy. Schools must count students as present during tests or physical exams for U.S. armed forces or National Guard service.

Attendance teams help frequently absent students

A student is chronically absent when excused and unexcused absences reach 10% of enrolled school days during the school year. The count covers enrollment in the same school or school system, excluding the first day of enrollment. Local systems must continuously identify chronically absent or at-risk students and provide support. A system needs an attendance team when at least 10% of students are chronically absent; schools need teams at 15%. Teams meet at least monthly to review individual cases and develop support plans for students and their parents or guardians.

Attendance rules follow alternative school students

Children of compulsory-attendance age must attend an alternative education program when the local school board assigns them there. This applies even after suspension or expulsion from another public school program. Boards do not have to offer an alternative placement instead of suspension or expulsion.

School withdrawal requires permission and warnings

Unemancipated minors older than compulsory-attendance age need written parental or guardian permission to withdraw without completing diploma requirements. A required conference must occur within two school days and review education options, including state-approved high school equivalency programs. Families must receive warnings about possible loss of disability accommodations, specialized instruction, and other services under federal law. State model withdrawal forms must include these warnings, and superintendents must provide them to principals serving grades 6–12.

Counties coordinate attendance help and enforcement

Each county has an attendance and school climate committee chaired by its chief superior court judge. Committees must meet by November 1, 2025, and at least twice yearly afterward. By June 1, 2026, they must adopt written attendance protocols for each local school system. These cover identifying, reporting, investigating, and prosecuting alleged violations, addressing their causes, and recommendations on tardiness and chronic absence. Committees must also distribute consequence summaries, including possible driver's license denial, while state county-by-county reporting begins November 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Matt Dubnik
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 1

House vote • 3/25/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 160 • No: 1 • Other: 10

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 54 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Effective Date
7/1/2025
Senate Date Signed by Governor
4/28/2025Senate
Act 16
4/28/2025
Senate Sent to Governor
4/7/2025Senate
House Third Readers
3/25/2025House
House Passed/Adopted
3/25/2025House
House Committee Favorably Reported
3/21/2025House
House Second Readers
2/28/2025House
House First Readers
2/27/2025House
Senate Third Read
2/26/2025Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted
2/26/2025Senate
Senate Read Second Time
2/19/2025Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
2/18/2025Senate
Senate Read and Referred
2/10/2025Senate
Senate Hopper
2/6/2025Senate

Bill Text

SB 123/AP* (v5)
PDF

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