GA
Georgia Senate Bill SB326

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB326

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

Handicapped Persons; a program for support service providers to assist blind and deaf-blind individuals in navigating employment and higher education opportunities; provide

Impact

The impact of SB 326 extends across several areas of state law regarding support services for individuals with disabilities. It proposes to amend existing statutes related to the employment and educational assistance of blind and deaf-blind individuals, thus aiming to empower this demographic by enhancing their accessibility to resources that facilitate their integration into the workforce and educational institutions. The bill mandates the formation of an advisory committee comprising various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the program.

Summary

Senate Bill 326, also known as the Georgia Support Service Provider Act of 2025, aims to create a program designed to assist blind and deaf-blind individuals in successfully navigating employment and higher education opportunities. The bill emphasizes reducing barriers that these individuals face in workforce participation and aims to enhance their economic independence and social inclusion through accessible personal and real-time assistance. The key components of the program include establishing eligibility criteria and standards which will be developed in collaboration with an advisory committee.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from how the program will prioritize assistance to low-income and underserved populations. Some advocates may express concerns about the adequacy of funding and resources dedicated to these efforts, as well as the potential challenges in executing the program's objectives effectively. The bill allows for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to contract with nonprofit organizations to deliver these services, which may prompt discussions over the quality and consistency of the support provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB274

Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired; create

GA HB399

Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired; create

GA SB8

'Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired Act'; enact; create

GA SB4

"Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act"; enact

GA HB341

Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act; enact

GA SB17

Medical Assistance; program of premium assistance to enable eligible individuals to obtain healthcare coverage; provide

GA HB319

Education; abolish Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation

GA HB1187

Crimes and offenses; change references to assistance and guide dogs to service dogs

GA HB985

Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation; abolish; O.C.G.A.; remove cross-references and make conforming changes

GA SB454

Alimony and Child Support; guidelines for child support award calculations; provide

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