ATLANTA – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 233, the “Georgia Promise Scholarship Act,” into law. Sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming), the “Georgia Promise Scholarship Act” creates the Georgia Education Savings Authority and provides its composition, functions, duties and powers in administering the Promise Scholarship Program. The bill also provides for the establishment of promise scholarship accounts to be funded by the state in the amount of $6,500.00 for the first school year and through an adjusted amount each subsequent school year.
Sen. Dolezal applauded the signage of this measure, stating, “As we celebrate the signage of SB 233, the “Georgia Promise Scholarship Act,” we are affirming a commitment to the future of our state’s students and families. By establishing the Georgia Education Savings Authority and funding promise scholarship accounts, we give parents the choice of education and open a door for educational success for students of all backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for the collaborative effort that has brought us to this moment, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all those who have worked tirelessly to champion this cause.”
Rep. Todd Jones (R–South Forsyth), an advocate for school choice legislation, furthered this sentiment, expressing, “The signing of the “Georgia Promise Scholarship Act” marks a significant victory for Georgia’s students and families, underscoring our commitment to putting children at the heart of education policy. The next generation of Georgians deserve access to a high-quality education tailored to their needs, and this legislation is a crucial step in that direction. I’m proud to see this vital measure cross the finish line.”
“There is nothing more important to the continued success of our state than safeguarding and strengthening the lives, education and future of our students, and that can only be accomplished by ensuring Georgia students have access to as many opportunities and choices as possible that will set them up for success” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As I stated in my State of the State address, we can and must take an all-of-the-above approach to K-12 education, and thanks to Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones and Senator Greg Dolezal keeping this issue a priority, Georgia is affording greater choice to families as to how and where they receive their education, while also continuing our efforts to strengthen public schools, support teachers, and secure our classrooms. This could not have been accomplished without their diligent work and the support of our additional partners in the General Assembly.”
“As a longtime proponent of school choice, I applaud Sen. Dolezal’s leadership in the passage of the most substantive education initiative the Georgia General Assembly has seen in decades,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “I also want to thank Governor Kemp for his support for school choice and education freedom within our state. Tuesday’s signing of SB 233 is a great step in the right direction, however, there is still more work to be done to give parents the choice and resources that can meet their child’s unique educational needs. I look forward to working with Governor Kemp and my colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure educational freedom in Georgia.”
Read the full text of SB 233 here.
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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 404.656.0040 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov
Representative Todd Jones represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health, Industry & Labor and Judiciary committees.