Sponsor outlines substitute to provide short-term gap funding for students awaiting federal aid

Representative Santos introduced a substitute measure described as short-term gap funding for students who qualify for federal aid but have not received disbursement by the first day of classes. The sponsor said the program would provide awards to students who have a qualifying aid package but whose funds have not yet been released, with an example cap the sponsor cited of up to $5,000 for "essential material" such as books and instructor-required items.

Nut graf: The bill aims to prevent students from falling behind during the add/drop and disbursement window by giving qualified students bridge funding that would be reconciled with later federal or institutional aid. Santos said the proposal targets students who qualify for Pell and similar federal aid and that the money would be administered along Pell lines to narrow the pool of recipients.

Committee members raised operational questions: how the state would recoup funds if federal aid is later disbursed, whether institutions will be liable for repayment if awards lead to overawards, how the $5,000 cap was calculated, and what time limits or documentation would govern awards. Santos said she had spoken with representatives of student-finance offices and the Georgia Student Finance Commission and that the cap was based on sponsor's law-school experience (books and materials costing roughly $1,000–$1,500 per class in her example). Santos said the award would be limited to necessary materials and would be reconciled when federal funds arrived.

Committee direction: Members asked the sponsor to work with the Georgia Student Finance Commission and other stakeholders to develop procedures for repayment or reconciliation and to clarify timeframes and eligibility before the committee considers a vote.

Ending: No formal action or vote occurred on the substitute. The chair thanked sponsors and witnesses and said the committee would continue work in the interim if needed.