As the 2025 legislative session concludes, Georgia’s conservative-led General Assembly has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing the state’s educational landscape. With approximately 400 bills and resolutions passed, attention now turns to Governor Brian Kemp, who has until May 14 to sign, veto, or allow these measures to become law without his signature.
This pivotal 40-day post-session period is crucial for enacting reforms that prioritize student safety, support educators, and expand educational opportunities.
Cobb County Legislators at the Forefront of Educational Advancements
Cobb County’s delegation has played a significant role in advancing key education bills:
- Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta): Sponsored Senate Bill 20, establishing a memorial fund for families of public-school teachers and employees who are killed or disabled in the line of duty. This fund, managed by the Georgia Student Finance Authority, provides tuition grants to the children and spouses of affected educators.​
- Representative Ed Setzler (R-Acworth): Contributed to House Bill 37 by introducing provisions that allow school board members to include their spouses and family members in district-provided health and dental plans.​
- Representative Devan Seabaugh (R-West Cobb): Reported that several important bills have passed both chambers and are now headed to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for signature. ​Cobb Voice
Key Education Bills Awaiting the Governor’s Signature
Several notable education-related bills have been approved by lawmakers and are pending the Governor’s decision:
- House Bill 68: Allocates an additional $160 million to K-12 education, including over $100 million for school security measures, $40 million for literacy programs, and $20 million for mental health support.​
- Senate Bill 82: Promotes local approval of charter schools by creating an incentive grant program overseen by the State Charter Schools Commission.​
- House Bill 105: Increases the state financial award from $75,000 to $150,000 for families of educators killed in the line of service.​
- House Bill 217: Extends the Dual Achievement Program to 2031 and includes provisions for income verification of Promise Scholarship applicants.​
- House Resolution 711: Establishes the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education.​
- House Resolution 347: Encourages all Georgia high schools to establish flag football programs for girls, with startup grants available through the Arthur Blank Foundation.​
- Senate Bill 63: Mandates that school districts offering standardized tests provide the same testing opportunities to homeschool students residing in the district, without additional fees.​
Legislative Process Overview
The journey of a bill from passage to law involves several steps:
- Governor’s Decision: The Governor can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.​
- Veto Override: If vetoed, the General Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.​
- Automatic Enactment: If the Governor takes no action within the 40-day period, the bill becomes law without a signature.​
Cobb County’s legislators have been instrumental in crafting and supporting legislation that aims to enhance educational outcomes, ensure student safety, and provide robust support for educators and their families. As these bills await Governor Kemp’s consideration, the community remains optimistic about the positive impact these measures will have on Georgia’s educational system.
