Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB1220

Introduced
2/5/26  
Report Pass
2/20/26  
Engrossed
3/4/26  
Refer
3/6/26  

Caption

Education; student eligibility and maximum scholarship amounts; revise provisions

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1220 are intended to impact state laws relating to educational funding and scholarship distributions. By revising the eligibility criteria and maximum amounts for scholarships, the bill seeks to enhance educational opportunities for a broader range of students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It may also result in increased participation rates in higher education, contributing to a more educated workforce in the long run.

Summary

House Bill 1220 focuses on revising provisions related to student eligibility and maximum scholarship amounts in the education sector. The bill aims to streamline and update the existing scholarship frameworks to better accommodate the financial needs of students. The adjustments proposed in HB1220 include modifications to the criteria that determine a student's eligibility for scholarships, ensuring that more students can access the necessary financial support to pursue their education.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1220 appears to be largely positive, particularly among educational advocates and stakeholders who believe the bill will benefit students significantly. Many support the idea that increased access to scholarships can lead to greater educational equity. However, there are some concerns regarding potential budgetary implications, as expanding eligibility may require more funding resources. These opposing views create a mixed outlook on the overall impact of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1220 include debates on how to fund the proposed changes. Some lawmakers express apprehension that expanding eligibility and increasing scholarship amounts may strain the state’s education budget. Additionally, discussions touch on the importance of maintaining academic standards while making scholarships more accessible, raising questions about how to balance financial aid initiatives with quality education metrics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB634

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act; expedited completion of a student's first Individualized Education Program; revise provisions

GA HB385

Education; allow academically successful students who are concurrently seeking certain degrees to use the full number of hours of HOPE scholarship eligibility; provisions

GA HB324

Educational Scholarships & Tax Credit

GA HB602

Education; denial of state funds for loans, grants, and scholarships for any student convicted of a criminal offense; provisions

GA HB1378

Georgia Promise Scholarship Act; clarify student residency qualification for promise scholarship accounts

GA HB1417

Education; inclusion of advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and Cambridge fine arts courses in calculation of grade point averages for determining student eligibility for HOPE scholarships and other scholarships; provide

GA S0318

Educational Scholarship Programs

GA S7030

Educational Scholarship Programs

GA HB328

Revenue and taxation; increase annual aggregate limit for tax credits available for certain contributions to student scholarship organizations

GA HB1071

Twenty-first century scholarship eligibility.

Similar Bills

FL S0318

Educational Scholarship Programs

HI SB440

Relating To Education.

HI SB440

Relating To Education.

FL S7030

Educational Scholarship Programs

AR SB232

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

FL S1318

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

IN SB0161

Education matters.

IN HB1149

Pre-kindergarten care SGO tax credit.