The House approved HB 192 by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), the "Top State for Talent Act" by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), one of Gov. Brian Kemp's House floor leaders. This bill aligns GaDOE's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program with the High Demand Career List created by HB 982 in 2024.
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House Education Committee Passes Riley Gaines Act
The House Education Committee passed a substitute version of HB 267, the 'Riley Gaines Act,' on a party line vote. While the new version directs the Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) to enforce some provisions in the bill, financial penalties for school personnel have been removed. Riley Gaines, the bill's namesake, attended the meeting virtually to advocate for its passage.
HB 267 mandates that schools provide separate restrooms and changing areas for males and females and stipulates that sleeping arrangements on school trips be made according to sex, with exceptions for immediate family members. It also requires that athletic activities be designated for males, females, or co-educational, and prohibits males from participating in female-designated sports. Sex is defined as an individual's biological sex, observable or clinically verified at or before birth, and it replaces the term "gender" with "sex" throughout the Code.
The committee amended the bill to clarify that authorized coaches or trainers can enter locker rooms for purposes directly related to an athletic event.
The House Rules Committee will now consider the bill.
Bill to Extend Dual Achievement Program Passes House Higher Ed
The House Higher Education Committee approved HB 217 by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), one of Gov. Kemp's floor leaders in the House. This bill extends the sunset of the Technical College System of Georgia Dual Achievement Program until July 1, 2031.
The bill moves on to the House Rules Committee.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday, Feb. 24 - Legislative Day 22
Senate Appropriations, 8 a.m., 341 CAP
Tuesday, Feb. 25 - Committee Workday
Georgia Reads event, noon, CAP
House Retirement, 2 p.m., 406 CLOB
Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Legislative Day 23
Thursday, Feb. 27 - Legislative Day 24
Friday, Feb. 28 - Legislative Day 25