GeorgiaSB 5232025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Education; public schools and postsecondary educational institutions to consider antisemitism in the same manner as discrimination based on religion; authorize

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Timothy Bearden (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Bill Cowsert (Republican), Jason T. Dickerson (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Sonya Halpern (Democrat), Marty Harbin (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Elena Parent (Democrat), Shawn Still (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Carden Summers (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican), Sam Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger discrimination protections in public schools

Georgia public schools receiving state or federal aid cannot discriminate in programs, benefits, or employment. Protections cover race, ethnicity, national origin, and religion. By September 29, 2026, the Department of Education must name a statewide K–12 Title VI complaint coordinator. The coordinator must provide online and written complaint routes, timely and confidential handling, thorough investigations, and protection against retaliation. The coordinator prepares written findings, tracks fixes, and reports complaints and enforcement actions annually by June 30. Reports go to the State Superintendent, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, and relevant legislative committee chairs. Those officials also receive prompt enforcement notices. The law preserves federal civil rights duties, applicable student privacy rules, and federal and Georgia constitutional rights.

School rights enforcement includes funding penalties

When the Department of Education finds a public school out of compliance, it must give written notice. The school generally has 30 days to fix violations and develop a corrective action plan. The department can extend that period for good cause. The State Board of Education can require fixes and withhold part of the school's state funding for noncompliance. The law sets no dollar amount or percentage. A school notified of funding withholding can seek relief in superior court in the county where its headquarters is located. Violations left unresolved without corrective action within 30 days of notice must be referred to federal education civil rights officials and the Justice Department.

Technical college protections carry funding penalties

By December 31, 2026, all Technical College System of Georgia units must adopt and publish discrimination complaint procedures. These cover protections based on race, ethnicity, national origin, and religion. People can report complaints online or in writing. Schools must handle complaints promptly and confidentially, investigate thoroughly, prevent retaliation, and provide written findings and conclusions. The system's state board can require fixes or withhold state funding it manages when schools fail to comply or correct violations. The law sets no withholding amount. By July 1 annually, the board must publish an aggregate report on complaints, investigations, and findings. Reports go to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, and House and Senate higher education committee chairs.

University complaint protections carry funding penalties

By December 31, 2026, all University System of Georgia schools must adopt and publish discrimination complaint procedures. These cover protections based on race, ethnicity, national origin, and religion. People can report complaints online or in writing. Schools must handle complaints promptly and confidentially, investigate thoroughly, prevent retaliation, and provide written findings and conclusions. The Board of Regents can require fixes or withhold state funding it manages when schools fail to comply or correct violations. The law sets no withholding amount. By July 1 annually, the board must publish an aggregate report on complaints, investigations, and enforcement outcomes. Reports go to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, and House and Senate higher education committee chairs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Deborah Silcox
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 283 • No: 33

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/18/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 165 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT #1 BY THE SENATOR FROM THE 35TH

Yes: 22 • No: 31 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 50 • No: 2 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/5/2026Senate
Act 402
5/5/2026
Effective Date
5/5/2026
Senate Sent to Governor
4/10/2026Senate
Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub
3/25/2026Senate
House Third Readers
3/18/2026House
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/18/2026House
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/12/2026House
House Second Readers
3/9/2026House
House First Readers
3/6/2026House
Senate Third Read
3/4/2026Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted
3/4/2026Senate
Senate Read Second Time
2/26/2026Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
2/25/2026Senate
Senate Read and Referred
2/19/2026Senate
Senate Hopper
2/18/2026Senate

Bill Text

SB 523/AP* (v9)
PDF

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