ATLANTA (March 14, 2012) – Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R-Marietta) sponsored HB 706 in the Senate today. This legislation deletes obsolete, unused and unnecessary provisions relating to elementary and secondary education within the Title 20 code. HB 706 passed with a vote of 39-11.
“I’m glad that the Senate passed HB 706 today because it is a common sense piece of legislation. We have worked with the Department of Education, local school boards and other educators to formulate this bill,” said Sen. Tippins. “Title 20 outlines the role of education in Georgia, and it needs to be regularly updated to keep it modern and relevant for our students. Historically, we pass a similar bill periodically to clean-up the code.”
HB 706 clarifies the language in Title 20 while changing little substantively. For example, language was included for a new oath for local superintendents to reflect the fact they are appointed and not elected. Other minor changes include recognizing regional educational service agencies as local units of administration rather than state agencies. It also allows principals and local school boards to set their own policy for the use of personal electronic communication devices that can be used for instructional purposes.
Since the Senate version of HB 706 was different than the bill originally passed by the House, it will now transfer back to the House for approval before heading to the Governor’s desk.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2012
Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
kate.greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028