Georgia House Bill HB81

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/13/23
• Engrossed: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Report Pass: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 3/20/24

Caption

Education; eligibility criteria for certain capital outlay grants for low-wealth school systems; revise

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance educational infrastructure in underfunded areas by revising the eligibility requirements for capital outlay grants. The changes include stipulations related to local sales tax revenue rankings and property values, thereby incentivizing local school systems to engage in fiscal planning that aligns with the state’s educational goals. If enacted, HB81 is expected to facilitate the allocation of financial resources toward school districts that have historically faced challenges in securing sufficient funding for construction and renovation projects.

Summary

House Bill 81 (HB81) seeks to amend existing legislation regarding eligibility criteria for capital outlay grants specifically aimed at low-wealth school systems in Georgia. It revises the criteria under Code Section 20-2-262, intending to provide a clearer framework for how local school systems can qualify for these grants. The proposed changes focus on ensuring that funding is directed to those school districts that are most in need, particularly emphasizing systems with lower sales tax revenues and property values per student in terms of full-time equivalent counts.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB81 indicate that the overarching goal is to repair disparities in educational funding. Potential points of contention may arise from interpretations of what constitutes 'low-wealth' school systems and the bureaucratic processes involved in determining eligibility. Critics may argue that the criteria could exclude certain districts that require funding but do not meet the specific thresholds established by the bill. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and whether prioritization of grants effectively addresses the unique needs of diverse educational environments across the state.