Georgia House Bill HB1038

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/26

Caption

Georgia Promise Scholarship Act; repeal Article 2 of Chapter 2B; provide

Impact

The repeal of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act represents a significant shift in state education funding policy. Proponents view the removal of this scholarship as a necessary step towards prioritizing public education funding and addressing concerns about the allocation of state resources. They argue that the program has been ineffective in supporting education and could better serve state priorities by redirecting funds into public schools. Conversely, opponents of the repeal argue that the scholarship provides essential support to families seeking educational choices, particularly for lower-income students who may not have access to quality public schools.

Summary

House Bill 1038 seeks to repeal the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act by providing for an advisory referendum election to gauge public opinion on this matter. The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act had previously allocated state funds for families to use towards education expenses, including private school tuition. If passed, the bill will lead to an official vote in November 2026, allowing citizens to decide whether to support the repeal of this Act. The bill outlines that the Secretary of State will oversee the election, ensuring clarity in how citizens express their support or opposition to the repeal.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 1038 revolve around the debate over educational funding and the accessibility of private education options for families in Georgia. Advocates for maintaining the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act assert that it empowers parents with choices and fosters competition among educational institutions, which can enhance the quality of education. In contrast, critics assert that these funds should be reinvested into public schools to improve overall educational outcomes across the state, emphasizing equity in access to education for all students.