Legislative Update

Good Day Leaders, Advocates and Friends!   Last Thursday, February 6th was the 12th day of the 40-day legislative session. Thank you to all the PTA leaders and members who’ve emailed, texted and called with questions and concerns about HB444 which, if passed, will restructure the Dual Enrollment Act.  The Senate passed a substitute version of HB444 which is currently in review in the House Education Committee. See link below to HB444 and a few other bills Georgia PTA is following. 

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Earlier this week, Governor Kemp and State Superintendent Woods announced legislation that will reduce K-12 high stakes testing. From the Governor’s press release: “The proposed legislation will remove five of the seven assessments that are currently above federal requirements. It will also allow for flexibility on the timing of the high school writing assessment and make changes to shorten the length of the Georgia Milestones. Furthermore, this bill will assist with the reduction of local assessments and maximize instruction time by creating a testing window within the last 25 school days or last five weeks of the school year.”  Click HERE for the full press release. Georgia PTA SUPPORTS any measure which reduces the focus on high stakes testing and moves towards multiple measures of student growth and achievement. 

There have been ongoing concerns raised by House leaders regarding Governor Kemp’s proposed budget and the impact proposed cuts will have on the state’s mental health programs, public safety, juvenile justice, and other state services.  Senate leaders agreed to take a break in the session this week to allow the House Appropriations Committee and other budget-related sub-committees to review and discuss the budget.  The Georgia General Assembly will reconvene Tuesday, February 18th for Day 13 of the legislative session.  

Registration is open for our 2020 PTA Day at the Capitol.   At PTA Day at the Capitol, you will hear from statewide leaders and gain valuable information that will empower your advocacy at the Georgia Capitol and in your local school districts and communities. Join us on February 25, 2020 at 9am in the Fulton County Assembly Hall inside the Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta 30303.  Space is limited.  REGISTER HERE for PTA Day at the Capitol.  

See links below to review some of the bills Georgia PTA is following.  Please forward any suggestions on bills or questions regarding this blog to legislation@georgiapta.org  

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HB444  Restructure of the Dual Enrollment Act                                   

HB741   Master Teacher in Turnaround Schools w/stipend                    

HB783 / SB343  Compulsory Attendance Age raised to 17           

HB809   Prohibits sale of Tobacco and Vaping Products to under 21                               

HB845   Additional Compensation for Teachers w/ Special Ed Certification         

SB349    Require feminine hygiene products in certain restrooms used by students  

SB367   Reduces number of student assessments; when assessments must be administered