Charter schools, vouchers and bus stops: Kemp signs seven education bills into law

Seven bills that could transform education in Georgia were signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp at the state capitol Tuesday, ushering in changes to public, private and charter schools throughout the state.

“Each of these bills works toward a common goal, ensuring that our next generation can grow up and have the opportunity to succeed in our great state,” Kemp said at the bill signing ceremony. “These are never easy issues to tackle when it comes to the wellbeing of our children, but I know no matter our differences, we are all working to do what is best for them. I'm proud to sign these bills and take that important step in achieving that goal.”

Here’s how the changes will impact Georgia students:

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School vouchers

Senate Bill 233, a measure that would allow families to apply for up to $6,500 per child in public funds towards private school tuition and other educational expenses, was signed into law Tuesday. Also known as the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, the bill was sponsored by state Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming). It gained final passage on March 20, clearing the Senate in a 33-21 vote.

SB 233 aims to increase school choice, which Kemp has long hailed as one of his legislative priorities. The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, he said, “will allow families from the lowest performing schools in our state to have greater choice in where their children learn, allowing money to flow to the student and pay for educational expenses in qualifying schools.”

Students attending public schools ranked in the bottom 25% statewide will be prioritized for the vouchers.

More: Georgia Senate passes school voucher bill promising $6,500 per student for tuition

Charter Schools

Charter schools also received a boost during the 2024 legislative session, with two bills that sought to address a wide range of issues within Georgia’s charter school systems. HB 318, sponsored by state Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), will relocate the Office of Charter School Compliance, moving it from the Georgia Department of Education to the State Charter Schools Commission. It also clarifies the rules around charter school funding, requiring schools to use actual enrollment numbers rather than projected enrollment.

Hilton also authored HB 1122, a bill that provides additional funding for principal and superintendent salaries, provides definitions for full- and part-time employees, and allows teachers to serve on state charter school boards.

“Together these bills further strengthen an essential component of our public education system that we are committed to supporting,” Kemp said.

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Traffic safety, social media and more

Also known as Addy’s Law, HB 409 would prevent students from having to cross busy roads to reach a school bus stop. It also raises the fine for cars who pass a stopped school bus to $1,000.

“By now many of you have heard the heartbreaking story of the 8-year-old Addy Pierce, who was struck by motorists as she boarded her school bus and lost her life,” Kemp said. “To help prevent any other family from having to experience this kind of loss, this bill directs school systems to consider not having bus stops where a student would have to cross the roadway with a speed limit equal to or greater than 40 miles an hour.”

Kemp also signed SB 351, which regulates internet usage for minors, SB 395, which implements overdose medication in school and municipal buildings, and SB 464, which implements literacy tests and covers some of the costs for teachers who buy school supplies online.

A full list of legislation signed by Kemp can be found at gov.georgia.gov.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Charter schools, vouchers and busses: Kemp signs seven education bills