House Passes Anti-Discrimination Bill, Education & Workforce Measure Moves to Kemp’s Desk

Compared to the hectic pace of yesterday’s committee workday, Legislative Day 33 saw comparatively few education bills advance. Multiple major education issues are expected to be considered in the coming days. Senate Floor Action House Floor Action House Passes Anti-Discrimination Bill With a vote of 165-0, the House passed SB 523  by Sen. Goodman (R-Cogdell), which originally required public schools and institutions of higher education to treat antisemitism as they would treat religious discrimination. The House committee substitute of the bill revises SB 523 to make it nearly identical to HB 1363 , by Rep. Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs), which creates a statewide coordinator position within GaDOE to monitor and report on complaints of discrimination in public schools. If a school fails to take corrective action arising from a discrimination complaint, the SBOE is authorized to take action, including withholding state funds. The bill also requires the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish policies and procedures for handling discrimination complaints. SB 523 now moves back to the Senate, which will consider the House changes to the legislation. Senate Approves Governor’s Workforce Initiative With only
Read More