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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), Steven McNeel (Republican), Randal Mangham (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

EducationJudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Computer science required for future graduates

Beginning in 2031-2032, students who will graduate in 2037 or later must complete a computer science course to earn a diploma. They can take it in grades 8–12, in class, blended, or online, and it does not add extra credits. A full-credit computer science course can also count as one unit in math, science, CTAE, modern language or Latin, fine arts, or as an elective. You cannot use CS to replace Algebra: Concepts and Connections, Geometry: Concepts and Connections, Advanced Algebra: Concepts and Connections, Biology, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science, or advanced placement or international baccalaureate science. You may use at most one math and one science credit this way; multiple CTAE or elective credits are allowed. CTAE courses with embedded computer science can satisfy the requirement and count as CTAE or elective, under criteria set by the Department and State Board of Education.

All middle and high schools offer computer science

Beginning in 2022-2023, each district has at least one high school with a computer science course. All middle schools also teach exploratory computer science that year. In 2023-2024, at least half of each district’s high schools offer computer science. In 2024-2025 and after, every high school offers a computer science course.

Grants and reports for computer science teacher training

Subject to funding, the state gives grants to districts, charter schools, and approved providers to train computer science teachers. Awards consider how many teachers need training and whether districts will share trained teachers with others. By December 1 each year, the education department reports to state leaders the number of teachers trained, schools served, students and their demographics, and the list of training providers.

Virtual-only schools count as private schools

A nonpublic institution that only provides virtual instruction and meets required legal rules is treated as a private school. It does not have to meet the 180-day, 4.5-hour-per-day rule to be deemed private.

Georgia Virtual School fees up, capacity grows

Georgia Virtual School must have enough seats for computer science courses. The maximum tuition a district or school may be charged is now $350 per student per semester course (up from $250). Home study and private school students enroll for free only when the state funds it; otherwise they may be charged up to $350 per course, if space is available.

Patriotic groups can speak during school

School systems must allow defined patriotic groups to ask to speak with students during school hours about citizenship and patriotism. The group must send a written request at least 30 days before, with purpose, time on campus, and speaker names. The superintendent must approve or deny within seven days and, if denying, offer another date or explain why none is offered.

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

  • Steven McNeel

    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

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED

Yes: 48 • No: 3

House vote • 4/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 169 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 54 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026Senate

  2. Act 625

    5/12/2026

  3. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    3/23/2026House

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub As Amended

    3/9/2026Senate

  6. House Third Readers

    4/4/2025House

  7. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/4/2025House

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    4/2/2025House

  9. House Second Readers

    3/11/2025House

  10. House First Readers

    3/10/2025House

  11. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2025Senate

  12. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2025Senate

  13. Senate Read Second Time

    3/4/2025Senate

  14. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/3/2025Senate

  15. Senate Read and Referred

    2/18/2025Senate

  16. Senate Hopper

    2/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 179/AP* (v14)

    PDF

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