A slew of new laws took effect in Georgia on July 1st, one of which is an important one aimed at tackling the concerning rate of student absenteeism. It is Senate Bill 123 which seeks to promote more consistent school attendance across the state through early intervention and expanded support systems.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic absenteeism has skyrocketed in Georgia schools. According to the Georgia Department of Education, the rate jumped from 8.1 percent in 2020 to 20.1 percent in 2021, and by 2024 it reached 21.3 percent. In response to these alarming rates, lawmakers introduced SB 123– led by Sen. John F. Kennedy, R-Macon– who says absenteeism a “growing crisis” that has hindered learning in Georgia schools. “SB 123 will give our students the support they need and provide them with opportunities to achieve success inside and outside of the classroom,” he says. And after it passed the General Assembly, Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law in late April with its effective date this month.
The law focuses on support and accountability rather than punishment. Schools with high absentee rates must now establish Attendance Review Teams to help identify the causes of students cutting classes and develop strategies to address those challenges. Students are considered “chronically absent” if they miss 10 percent or more of the school year.
In a major shift, no student can be expelled solely for attendance issues. Instead, the law calls for the Attendance Review Teams to take a closer look at what’s keeping students out of the classroom— whether it’s transportation challenges, mental health struggles, or family circumstances. The purpose of these review teams is to foster positive relationships between the communities that attend schools and the schools themselves, so that students and families can get the support they need.
To help implement these changes, county attendance and school climate committees are now required to develop written procedures and meet twice a year, starting no later than November 1, 2025.
Kennedy believes lawmakers are addressing one of the most urgent educational issues with SB 123 in a more proactive, student-centered manner. In the future, through early intervention and expanded support, the state hopes to turn the tide on absenteeism—and keep students where they belong: in the classroom.
Delanie Bradley is a James summer intern and is an upcoming Junior at Georgia College and State University
