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Days 6 & 7: Senate Educator Leave Bill Advances

  • Writer: Josh Stephens
    Josh Stephens
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

Due to weather conditions on Legislative Day 6, the House and Senate held pro forma floor sessions and did not conduct substantive business. Legislators returned to the Gold Dome Tuesday for Legislative Day 7, though neither chamber considered education bills. Committee meetings are beginning, including the Senate Education & Youth Committee, which met today.


Senate Committee Approves Educator Leave Bill


The Senate Education & Youth Committee, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), met for the first time this session and approved SB 412 , sponsored by Hickman. The bill allows teachers to use two additional days of accrued sick leave for personal or professional leave. PAGE Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli testified in support of the bill at the committee meeting, citing increased flexibility for educators to use leave to address non-health-related personal needs during the school year. In addition to her comments to the committee, PAGE submitted testimony characterizing SB 412 as a step forward in addressing teacher morale and pipeline challenges, and asking the committee to consider approving additional recommendations from state agencies and education associations created as directed by SR 237.

 

SB 412 is sponsored by all members of the Senate Education & Youth Committee. It passed unanimously and moves on to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.


PAGE Webinar to Review Budget Proposals


Join PAGE legislative staff Thursday, Jan. 29, for a review of education items included in the proposed AFY 2026 and FY 2027 budgets. PAGE will review the proposed one-time $2,000 pay supplement for state employees and teachers, continued funding for school safety, additional funding for school social workers, and more. We'll also share information about how to contact legislators and advocate for appropriations or other state policies.



Review the PAGE report on education items in Kemp’s proposed budgets HERE.

Register for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Feb. 17


Please make your plans to join us for 2026 PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, in partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE).


This free event will include breakfast, lunch, information sessions with key education-focused policymakers, advocacy opportunities under the Gold Dome, and a state school superintendent candidate forum.


Register and watch a brief informational video HERE.

Upcoming Schedule


Wednesday, Jan. 28 - Legislative Day 8

  • House Education Appropriations Subcommittee, 12:30 p.m., 341 CAP

  • House Health Committee, 2 p.m., Room 403 CAP


Thursday, Jan. 29 - Legislative Day 9







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