Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools; create
Summary
SR 217 creates a Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools. The resolution finds that chronic absenteeism affects more than 21.7% of Georgia students and links repeated absences to lower academic performance, higher dropout risk, and weaker long-term educational and employment outcomes. It also identifies a range of contributing factors, including health problems, family instability, socioeconomic barriers, transportation issues, and school climate concerns.
The committee is directed to study the causes, conditions, and policy options related to chronic absenteeism and to recommend any legislation or other action it deems appropriate. The committee will consist of six senators appointed by the President of the Senate, with a designated chair, and may meet as needed to carry out its work. The resolution also provides for legislative allowances and Senate funding for committee operations, and it sets the committee to be abolished on December 1, 2025.
Impact
This resolution does not change substantive education law directly; instead, it creates a temporary Senate study committee to gather information and develop recommendations. Its practical impact is to place chronic absenteeism on the legislative agenda, potentially leading to future bills affecting school attendance policies, student support services, intervention programs, transportation access, family engagement, and related education or child welfare statutes. It also authorizes use of Senate funds and legislative per diem allowances for committee members.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little opposition. It passed the Senate on the consent calendar by a 52-0 vote, indicating a strong consensus that chronic absenteeism is a serious issue worth studying. The resolution’s findings and structure suggest a collaborative, problem-solving approach rather than a partisan or controversial policy change.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, and no committee transcript excerpts are provided. The main policy question implicit in the resolution is how Georgia should address the many causes of absenteeism—whether through school-based interventions, family supports, transportation solutions, health-related services, or accountability measures. Any future legislation emerging from the study committee could generate debate over costs, responsibilities of schools versus families, and the best mix of prevention and enforcement.