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GeorgiaSB 1792025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Education; the academic and disciplinary records of each transferring student shall be provided within five days; require

Sponsored By: Bill Cowsert (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Frank Ginn (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Randal Mangham (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

EducationJudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Students need computer science, with credit swaps

Beginning in 2031–2032, Georgia local boards must require students graduating in 2037 or later to complete a qualifying computer science course. A career, technical, and agricultural education course with computer science also qualifies. Students can take it in grades 8–12, in person, online, or through blended learning, without increasing total graduation credits. Computer science now includes ethics, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and critical thinking. A full-credit computer science course can replace math, science, career education, modern language including Latin, fine arts, or elective credit. Students can replace at most one math unit and one science unit. Math replacements cannot cover Algebra, Geometry, or Advanced Algebra: Concepts and Connections, or their equivalents. Science replacements cannot cover Biology or its equivalent, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science, or advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses. A full-credit career course with computer science can replace career education or elective credit; those replacements have no numerical cap. Each additional replacement requires a separate qualifying course that meets State Board of Education standards.

Virtual-only schools gain private-school status

Qualifying nonpublic schools that teach solely online count as private schools under Georgia's school-attendance law. They do not have to provide the equivalent of 180 school days per 12 months, at 4.5 hours each. They must still meet the other private-school requirements listed in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of the attendance law.

Patriotic youth groups get school speaking access

Georgia school systems must give qualifying patriotic youth groups opportunities to speak during school hours about citizenship, civic education, and patriotism. Groups must be listed as patriotic societies in Title 36 of federal law. Written requests must arrive at least 30 days ahead and list the purpose, time on campus, and attending speakers and representatives. The superintendent must approve or deny the requested date and time within seven days. A denial must include a comparable alternative or a written explanation. If a court invalidates any part of this school-access provision, the entire provision becomes void.

Higher virtual tuition cap, funded free access

Georgia Virtual School's tuition cap rises from $250 to $350 per student per semester course paid by local school systems. The $350 ceiling still applies when students take multiple courses in one day; actual charges can be lower. Home-study and private-school students can enroll at no cost when state appropriations cover their enrollment. When that money is unavailable or used up, they can enroll only if seats are open and must pay tuition. Their tuition is also capped at $350 per semester course.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Bill Cowsert

    Republican • Senate

  • Clint Dixon

    Republican • Senate

  • Frank Ginn

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Gooch

    Republican • Senate

  • Russ Goodman

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Hufstetler

    Republican • Senate

  • John F. Kennedy

    Republican • Senate

  • Randal Mangham

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bethany Ballard

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 370 • No: 70

House vote • 3/23/2026

Agree to Senate Amendment to House Sub

Yes: 99 • No: 66 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED

Yes: 48 • No: 3 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 169 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 54 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026Senate

  3. Act 625

    5/12/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    3/23/2026House

  6. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub As Amended

    3/9/2026Senate

  7. House Third Readers

    4/4/2025House

  8. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/4/2025House

  9. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    4/2/2025House

  10. House Second Readers

    3/11/2025House

  11. House First Readers

    3/10/2025House

  12. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2025Senate

  13. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read Second Time

    3/4/2025Senate

  15. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/3/2025Senate

  16. Senate Read and Referred

    2/18/2025Senate

  17. Senate Hopper

    2/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 179/AP* (v14)

    PDF

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