Georgia-2011-HB171-Introduced

By: Representatives Casas of the 103rd, Coleman of the 97th, Hembree of the 67th, Purcell of the 159th, Davis of the 109th, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local boards of education, so as to enact the "Higher Education Scholarships for High School Students Act"; to authorize local boards of education to provide scholarships for high school students who graduate early; to provide that such scholarships are contingent on available local funding; to provide for requirements and procedures; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local boards of education, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

(a) This Code section shall be known and may be cited as the 'Higher Education Scholarships for High School Students Act.'

(b) Local boards of education shall be authorized, for each student in their school system who graduates from high school prior to the beginning of his or her twelfth grade year, and who achieves a score in the 'proficient' range or above in all subjects tested in the state-wide assessments, as determined by the local board, to grant to each such student a scholarship equal to one-half of the total per student expenditure for high school students in such local school system for the purpose of defraying tuition costs for each such student at any public or private institution of higher education within or outside of this state.

(c) The payment of scholarships to students pursuant to this Code section shall be contingent upon available funds of the local school system.

(d) Local boards of education shall be authorized to establish requirements and procedures for the implementation of this Code section.