Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB1135

Introduced
2/2/26  

Caption

Education; participate in federal tax credit program for contributions of individuals to scholarship granting organizations; provide

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding educational funding by allowing for individual tax credits that support private education. This shift could lead to a reduction in public school funding, as more families may opt for private schooling with the financial assistance provided through these tax credits. Consequently, this could challenge the existing funding structure of public education in the state and potentially widen the gap between funding for public versus private schools.

Summary

House Bill 1135 proposes to allow participation in a federal tax credit program that facilitates contributions made by individuals to scholarship granting organizations. This program is aimed at increasing financial support for private educational institutions and providing more choices for families regarding their children's education. By enabling this tax credit, the bill seeks to incentivize more individuals to contribute to scholarship organizations that help students access quality education outside of traditional public schools.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1135 is part of a broader trend towards school choice and privatization in education. While proponents cite the potential for increased educational opportunities and personalized learning experiences, the debate continues regarding the implications for equity in educational access and the funding of public schools.

Contention

Notably, the bill has raised concerns among public education advocates who argue that it could divert essential funds away from public schools, which already face budget constraints. Critics argue that the effectiveness of such a program in improving educational outcomes is questionable, as it may disproportionately benefit wealthier families who can afford to send their children to private institutions. Opponents also emphasize the need to focus resources on improving public schools rather than expanding a system that favors private education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB446

Student Scholarship Organizations; State of Georgia to participate in the federal tax credit program for contributions of individuals to scholarship granting organizations; provide

GA AB602

Participating in the federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations.

GA SB600

Participating in the federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations.

GA HB342

Taxation; participation in the federal tax credit for individuals making qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations provided for

GA SB361

Electing to participate in the federal tax credit for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations.

GA HB4133

Relating to alignment with federal education law; declaring an emergency.

GA HF2755

A bill for an act relating to state participation in the federal tax credit program for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations.(Formerly HF 2308.)

GA HF2308

A bill for an act relating to state participation in the federal tax credit program for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations.(See HF 2755.)

GA HB2468

Electing to participate in the federal tax credit for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations and increasing the aggregate tax credit limit on the tax credit for low income students scholarship program.

GA SB386

Electing to participate in the federal tax credit for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations and increasing the aggregate tax credit limit on the tax credit for low income students scholarship program.

Similar Bills

UT HB0109

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Alterations

UT SB0107

Education Scholarship Amendments

UT HB0467

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications

NJ S1027

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A1578

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

SC H4741

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

SC S0959

Tuition Gap Scholarship Program

OR SB630

Relating to scholarships for use at participating nonpublic schools.