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GeorgiaSB 5892025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

"Quality Basic Education Act"; the date by which a child must attain a certain age to be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten or first grade; revise

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Kim Jackson (Democrat), Steven McNeel (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

EducationEducation and YouthGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Georgia Pre-K access for younger children

Beginning July 1, 2026, Georgia’s voluntary Pre-K enrollment rules apply starting with the 2026–2027 school year. Children who reach age 4 or 5 by September 1 are eligible when a parent or guardian requests enrollment. Enrollment is limited to one year. Eligible four- and five-year-olds must be considered equally for available seats; eligibility does not guarantee a seat.

Parents can choose kindergarten for newcomers

Beginning July 1, 2026, this kindergarten option applies starting with the 2026–2027 school year. It covers children entering a state-supported education program for the first time who qualify for first grade by age and birth date. At a parent’s or guardian’s request, the child must be enrolled in state-supported kindergarten instead.

Student badges must show crisis help

Georgia local school systems and public schools that issue student identification badges must add a crisis-help message for grades 6–12. The rule covers badges issued on or after July 1, 2026, starting with the 2026–2027 school year. The required message says, “You are not alone,” and directs people to call or text 9-8-8. It covers suicidal crises, emotional distress, and substance abuse challenges. It states that the hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • John Albers

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Brass

    Republican • Senate

  • Clint Dixon

    Republican • Senate

  • Bo Hatchett

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Hodges

    Republican • Senate

  • Kim Jackson

    Democrat • Senate

  • Steven McNeel

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Scott Hilton

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/27/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 156 • No: 3 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 54 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026Senate

  3. Act 633

    5/12/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    3/31/2026Senate

  6. House Third Readers

    3/27/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/27/2026House

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/25/2026House

  9. House Second Readers

    3/10/2026House

  10. House First Readers

    3/9/2026House

  11. Senate Tabled

    3/6/2026Senate

  12. Senate Taken from Table

    3/6/2026Senate

  13. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2026Senate

  14. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2026Senate

  15. Senate Read Second Time

    3/4/2026Senate

  16. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/3/2026Senate

  17. Senate Read and Referred

    2/26/2026Senate

  18. Senate Hopper

    2/25/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 589/AP* (v9)

    PDF

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