Day 17 saw the House Ed subcommittees hold a hearing on three new bills. Two of the three received a hearing and the third bill passed unanimously.
HB 51 – Rep. Clay Pirkle (R) presented the Alternative Student Transport bill to provide flexibility on how local school districts can transport a small group of students to an interscholastic activity or event. This is a short two page bill that will likely move soon. There were some suggested language changes and it was a hearing only of the bill.
HB 141 – Rep. Mesha Mainor (D) Suicide Screening – The content of the bill was thoroughly debated and many questions remain on the logistics of the screening. This was a hearing only and will likely see some changes and clarity before it moves.
HB 32– Rep. Demetrius Douglas (D) – This is known as the Video Review legislation connected to withholding/freezing funding if a school does not use video review. As many are already aware, the most recent championship GHSA football game had a very controversial ending with a seemingly obviously missed call which cost the championship to the losing team. Dr. Robin Hines, executive director of GHSA presented information that the board of trustees (of GHSA) have already approved of moving forward with adding the video review to the championship football game only- beginning with the 2023 competitive year. The sponsor included similar language in the bill as well. (My opinion) It might be an unnecessary piece of legislation as GHSA is planning to implement this video review regardless of this bill’s progress. This bill passed the subcommittee and will move to the full House committee at its next scheduled meeting.
HB 147 – Rep. Will Wade (R) (Gov’s floor leader) School Safety Act – This is the Governor’s school safety legislation that promotes coordination and training from Homeland Security and Georgia Emergency Management Agency. It starts with a gang endorsement for educators and the requirement of holding an intruder alert drill annually before each October 1. This bill will be heard later this week. Very likely to move forward.
Tomorrow is Legislative Day 18 and also Valentine’s Day! I will provide a report tomorrow on the day’s progress. Have a good evening.
