While floor sessions in both the House and Senate remain short and light, committee meetings are being held with increasing frequency. During this early part of the legislative session, the vast majority of actual work will be handled in committees. Bills will be considered and modified, and it will likely be several more days before either chamber votes on significant bills.
Senate Ed Passes Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act
In the afternoon, the Senate Committee on Education & Youth held its first meeting. At the start of the meeting, Chairman Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), said that, together, the House and Senate committees will focus on school safety and literacy. Next week, both committees will hold a joint meeting focusing on these issues.
The committee then heard SB 1 by Sen. Dolezal (R-Cumming). The bill would prohibit males from competing in female-only school sports and prohibit females from competing in male-only sports, with several exceptions. For the purposes of this bill and relevant code sections, sex is defined as that identified on the student's birth certificate as long as it was issued at or near birth.
The bill further mandates that multiple occupancy restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters be designated as for exclusive single-sex use. Reasonable accommodations must be made for athletes unwilling or unable to use such facilities.
SB 1 outlines a process by which a student aggrieved by a violation or anticipated violation of its provisions may submit complaints. A parent of an aggrieved student can also use the same complaint process. The bill further provides a private right of action to students who are deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers any direct or indirect harm from violations of the bill's provisions or if they suffer retaliation or adverse action as result of reporting a violation. Suits brought by this right of action must be initiated within two years of the relevant harm or retaliation's occurrence. Private K-12 schools would be impacted by the provisions of the act if they participate in Georgia High School Association (GHSA) athletic events.
After testimony by several current and former athletes and members of the transgender rights community, the committee amended the bill to clarify that SB 1 does not require a student's sex be determined by visual inspection from school employees or agents. Another amendment intended to prevent the act's applicability to younger students failed.
SB 1 passed and will next be considered by the Senate Rules Committee which will consider scheduling it for a floor vote.
Register Today for 2025 PAGE Day on Capitol Hill
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 18, for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill. In partnership with partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE), the event will provide PAGE members an opportunity to learn about important education policy initiatives and meet state policy makers.
Attendees will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch. During the morning session, attendees will hear from legislators and other policymakers on pertinent education policy issues including education funding, Georgia's teacher pipeline, the Teacher Retirement System, and more.
Mid-morning, attendees will engage in advocacy and direct dialogue with legislators under the Gold Dome. The event culminates in a lunch buffet during which state leaders will share remarks.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday Feb. 3 - Legislative Day 10
10 a.m. House Floor Session
10 a.m. Senate Floor Session
1 p.m. Joint House and Senate Education Committees, 506 CLOB
Tuesday Feb. 4 - Legislative Day 11
Wednesday Feb. 5 Legislative Day 12
Thursday Feb. 6 - Legislative Day 13