The House approved SB 154 by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), which has been characterized as a "proactive cleanup bill" in preparation for President Donald Trump's planned elimination of the U.S. Dept. of Education (USED). The bill strikes references to USED from the Georgia code. Hatchett said he intends to prepare Georgia if the federal department is shuttered, as USED is responsible for licensure approvals for several professions, including social workers and professional counselors. The bill passed 144-15 and moves back to the Senate for consideration of changes made by the House Education Committee.
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Close USED
On March 21, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order to close USED and return authority to the states. Read the Order HERE. PAGE Executive Director Craig Harper issued the following statement shortly thereafter:
“The US Department of Education provides guidance, resources, student protections, and oversight to state departments of education and our nation’s schools. The practical effect of President Trump’s executive order is unclear other than the stated intent to redirect the department’s functions and funding and allow more authority at the state level. PAGE continues to evaluate the effects of the order on Georgia’s students, educators, and schools. PAGE members have communicated varied opinions about the ongoing role of USED, and in addition to our own legal and legislative analysis, our members have asked a number of questions regarding the impact of the federal order. PAGE will share this information with Georgia’s congressional delegation in an effort to ensure continuity of service for Georgia’s children and families and those who serve them in our classrooms.”
Georgia educators, families, and students have varied opinions, questions, and concerns regarding the president's order. In an effort to answer educator questions and ensure transfer of function from USED to other federal and state agencies provides no interruption of educational services to Georgia students, PAGE is gathering educator input to share with Georgia's two U.S. Senators and 14 U.S. House members. Provide your feedback HERE.
Day 33: Senate Higher Education Committee Votes to Extend Dual Achievement Program
HB 217 by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville) was approved by the Senate Higher Education Committee late in the day on Legislative Day 33. The bill extends the sunset for the Dual Achievement Program to 2031. The bill moves to the Senate Rules Committee.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday, March 24 - Committee Workday
Senate Judiciary: HB 268 Subcommittee, 1 p.m., MEZZ 1
Senate Public Safety Committee, 1 p.m., 450 CAP
Tuesday, March 25 - Legislative Day 35
House Education Committee, 2 p.m., 506 CLOB
House Education Policy Subcommittee, 2 p.m., 515 CLOB
Senate Retirement Committee, 2 p.m., 307 CLOB
Senate Ed & Youth Committee, 2 p.m., 450 CAP
House Education Curriculum Subcommittee, 3 p.m., 515 CLOB
House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, 3 p.m., 132 CAP
Wednesday, March 26 - Committee Workday
Thursday, March 27 - Legislative Day 36
Senate Ed & Youth Committee, 1 p.m., 450 CAP
Senate Judiciary Committee, 2 p.m., 307 CLOB