Georgia Senate Passes Georgia Promise Scholarship Act

Senate Bill 233, the “Georgia Promise Scholarship Act,” passed the Georgia Senate. Sponsored by Chief Deputy Whip Sen. Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming), the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act would establish a state-funded $6,000 promise scholarship to be used towards qualified education expenses for each participating Georgia student. Students attending public schools in the lower quartile of academic performance statewide would be eligible for the scholarship. Further, SB 233 would prohibit the parents or legal guardians from having direct access to their child’s funds to prevent the misallocation of these funds for non-educational expenses. Annual standardized testing and audits would ensure the success and integrity of the program.

“This is a historic day in Georgia as the Senate passed the most significant parental choice legislation in State history,” said Sen. Dolezal. “Parents know their child best and should have final say on how their child will be educated. SB 233 is a necessary step in increasing freedom of educational choice for parents and legal guardians and provides them the opportunity to choose the proper course of action for their child. Thank you to my Senate colleagues for their role in passing this crucial measure. The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act will positively impact the education of our Georgia students and provide for a strong future workforce.”

“I want to thank Senator Dolezal for championing this priority through the Senate,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Senate Bill 233 gives parents the power to make the most appropriate decision for their child’s education and future. This is an important first step in guaranteeing parents have a scholarship option for an education path of their choosing. I look forward to working with Senator Dolezal and the House to ensure that SB 233 receives final passage and becomes law.”

SB 233 has moved to the House Committee on Education for further consideration.

For the full text of SB 233, read here.

Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a large part of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7127 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

legis.ga.gov