Georgia Senate Bill SR493

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/31/25

Caption

Children First Trust Fund; creation; authorize General Assembly - CA

Summary

SR 493 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the Georgia General Assembly to create a Children First Trust Fund dedicated to child care assistance. If approved by voters, the amendment would allow the legislature to establish the fund and make a one-time $2 billion appropriation from the state’s Revenue Shortfall Reserve, with the option to add more money later. The measure specifies that money placed into the fund would not lapse at the end of a fiscal year and would be used for scholarships, grants, or other financial assistance for child care services. It also directs that a portion of the fund be invested and reinvested, with earnings returned to the fund for the same child care purposes. The resolution further provides for the amendment to be submitted to Georgia voters for ratification.

Impact

If ratified, this resolution would amend the Georgia Constitution to create a new spending and investment mechanism outside ordinary annual appropriations rules. It would authorize use of a portion of the state’s reserve funds for a dedicated child care trust fund, exempt those appropriations from lapse, and permit investment earnings to support ongoing child care assistance. The practical effect would be to create a constitutionally backed funding source for child care scholarships and grants, potentially affecting the Revenue Shortfall Reserve and future budget decisions.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a child care access and family support initiative, suggesting a policy goal likely to attract favorable attention from supporters of early childhood services and workforce support. However, without recorded discussion or votes, the overall sentiment cannot be measured beyond the bill’s stated purpose.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate inherent in the proposal include the size of the proposed $2 billion one-time appropriation, the use of the Revenue Shortfall Reserve, and whether a constitutionally dedicated trust fund is the best mechanism for child care funding. Any opposition would likely focus on fiscal tradeoffs, reserve depletion, or limiting legislative flexibility, while supporters would likely emphasize child care affordability and access.