Georgia House advances workforce, education and consumer bills; GBI subpoena authority and other measures win approval

The Georgia House of Representatives on March 26 took up a broad set of measures ranging from workforce and higher-education policy to consumer protections and law-enforcement authority. Major floor actions included passage of workforce and education bills, approval of consumer-protection language for residential HVAC warranties, enactment of a manufactured-home title clarification, and an agreement to give the Georgia Bureau of Investigation limited additional administrative subpoena authority for certain crimes.

Key outcomes at a glance: - Senate Bill 193 (adult workforce high school diploma program): Passed 159-2. Representative Houston Gaines said the bill creates an "adult workforce high school diploma program" through the Technical College System of Georgia for people ages 21 to 40, using a pay-for-performance contracting model subject to appropriations. - Senate Bill 149 (tuition equalization grant eligibility): Passed 162-2. Representative Gaines described the bill as preserving rigorous accreditation requirements for institutions participating in the Tuition Equalization Grant program. - Senate Bill 123 (compulsory attendance / chronic absenteeism): Passed 160-1. Chairman Matt Dubnick said the…