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GeorgiaSB 852025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Grants for Foster Children; a grant program to provide grants to former foster youth who meet eligibility requirements, subject to specific appropriations; establish

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Jason T. Dickerson (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Jaha Howard (Democrat), Ed Harbison (Democrat), Randy Robertson (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican), Kenya Wicks (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

Higher EducationGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Georgia college grants for former foster youth

The law creates the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship. Payments start only when the state budget names and funds the program. You qualify if you are under 26, enrolled or accepted within three years of finishing high school, and meet one DFCS tie: custody, independent living, adopted after 14 (even if placed out of state), six months in DFCS after 14, family got state adoption help, or aging foster child. Each semester, the grant can cover tuition, room, board, meal plan, and books, after subtracting other federal or state aid. You can get up to $30,000 a year. You must file FAFSA, use GSFA’s simple form, stay in good standing, and meet your school’s progress rules. Aid ends once you earn a bachelor’s, attempt 127 semester hours (or 190 quarter hours), or receive aid for 10 years.

Rules and safeguards for foster youth grants

GSFA sets program rules and can hire a qualified nonprofit to run it. All money lawmakers appropriate must go straight to student grants. Colleges must return funds if a paid student does not enroll, and they can be examined and suspended for errors or non-refunds. Anyone who knowingly lies to get a grant commits a misdemeanor. State agencies and schools must share data so GSFA can monitor the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • John Albers

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Jason T. Dickerson

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Brass

    Republican • Senate

  • Jaha Howard

    Democrat • Senate

  • Ed Harbison

    Democrat • Senate

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

  • Blake Tillery

    Republican • Senate

  • Kenya Wicks

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Trey Kelley

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 272 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 53 • No: 1

House vote • 3/27/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 166 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 53 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2025Senate

  2. Act 120

    5/12/2025

  3. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2025Senate

  4. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    4/4/2025Senate

  5. House Third Readers

    3/27/2025House

  6. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/27/2025House

  7. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/18/2025House

  8. House Second Readers

    3/6/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    3/4/2025House

  10. Senate Third Read

    3/3/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/3/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read Second Time

    2/20/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/19/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/4/2025Senate

  15. Senate Hopper

    2/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 85/AP* (v9)

    PDF

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