Today the House built on its previous literacy efforts by unanimously passing HB 307, which moves to the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins), the bill explicitly states that the three-cueing model of reading instruction does not constitute the primary means of instruction for literacy and is not high-quality instructional material. The legislation repeals Reading Recovery provisions, revises characteristics of dyslexia, and outlines a three-year cycle for review of state-approved literacy screeners. An expanded description of HB 307 is in the Day 22 Capitol Report.
Over in the Senate, SB 152, which expands the Georgia Promise Scholarship private school voucher program to foster siblings, passed by a 33-22 vote. Bill sponsor Greg Dolezal (R-Alpharetta) described the bill as a way to say “thank you” to foster families and characterized the legislation as "an important step to ensure that those people who take care of the most vulnerable in our population have an additional incentive to do so.” The bill seeks to provide vouchers for children of parents who have fostered within the last 10 years, though they are not required to foster, currently.
Several senators spoke against the bill including Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), RaShaun Kemp (D-Atlanta), Kim Jackson (D-Stone Mountain). Because the Senate moved to engross the legislation, no amendments were allowed. SB 152 moves to the House.
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House Compromise on Speed Cameras in School Zones Approved by House Committee
The House Motor Vehicles Committee passed HB 651, by Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), regarding school zone speed cameras. The bill would limit camera operation to one hour before and after the start and end of a school day. Citations could only be issued for violations in excess of 10 mph over the posted limit, and the current $25 processing fee would no longer be allowed.
HB 651 requires that half of funds raised by the cameras be allocated equally to all schools in the district for school safety. Local governments must quarterly reports how much speed camera funding is provided to each school.
PAGE Legislative Communications Specialist Robert Aycock spoke briefly in support of dedicating funding toward school safety.
The bill now awaits consideration by the House Rules Committee.
House Higher Ed Hears Dual Enrollment Bill
The House Higher Ed Committee heard HB 18 by Rep. Steven Sainz (R-St. Marys), which requires students who wish to participate in Georgia's Dual Enrollment program to meet residency requirements as a legal resident of Georgia.
Committee Chair Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) said the committee is likely to vote on the measure next week.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday, March 3 - Legislative Day 26
Senate Higher Education Committee, 7 a.m.
Senate Ed & Youth Committee, 8 a.m., 307 CLOB
Senate Retirement Committee, 8 a.m., 310 CLOB
Senate Judiciary, 10 a.m., 307 CLOB
House Education Committee, 1 p.m., 506 CLOB
Tuesday, March 4 - Legislative Day 27
Senate Retirement Committee, 2 p.m., 207 CLOB
Senate Ed & Youth Committee, 2 p.m., 450 CAP
Wednesday, March 5 - Committee Workday
Thursday, March 6 - Legislative Day 28/Crossover