The Georgia Senate took steps late last week to address chronic absenteeism with the passage of Senate Bill 123, sponsored by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, R-Macon. The legislation – which now heads to the House – would establish a localized approach, working with families, administrators and those identified as chronically absent when reviewing individual cases.
If signed into law, SB 123 would require school climate committees to develop a comprehensive framework for improving student attendance. This legislation would also establish localized attendance review teams to determine the most effective strategies for reducing absenteeism. Additionally, they would be responsible for reporting their progress to the General Assembly.
Additionally, the bill would require local boards of education to implement policies for identifying and intervening with chronically absent students, ensuring a focus on the root causes of their absences.
“I’m proud to see SB 123 earn the Senate’s support, as tackling chronic absenteeism is a top priority for me this session,” said Kennedy. “Students who frequently miss school risk falling behind, jeopardizing their ability to build a strong educational foundation. With this legislation, we are taking a crucial step toward strengthening our schools and securing a brighter future for Georgia’s students.”
According to Kennedy, Georgia’s school attendance laws have not been updated since 2007, leaving gaps in how chronic absenteeism is handled at the individual level. In 2024, 21.3 percent of Georgia students—nearly 360,000 —were chronically absent, missing 10 percent or more of their school days.
The Senate also passed SB 152, which expands the Georgia Promise Scholarship private school voucher program to foster siblings, by a 33-22 vote. Bill sponsor Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, described the bill as a way to thank foster families. The bill would provide vouchers for children of parents who have fostered within the last 10 years, though they are not required to foster, currently.
The Senate moved to engross the legislation, so no amendments were allowed. SB 152 moves to the House.
The House Motor Vehicles Committee passed HB 651, by Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, regarding school zone speed cameras. The bill would limit camera operation to one hour before and after the start and end of a school day. Citations could only be issued for violations in excess of 10 mph over the posted limit, and the current $25 processing fee would no longer be allowed.
This version of the bill requires that half of funds raised by the cameras be allocated equally to all schools in the district for school safety. It also requires local governments to file quarterly reports on how much speed camera funding is provided to each school.
The House Higher Ed Committee heard HB 18 by Rep. Steven Sainz, R-St. Marys, which requires students who wish to participate in Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program meet residency requirements as a legal resident of Georgia.
