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Georgia House approves bill to update code references in case federal Department of Education is changed
Summary
The Georgia House passed Senate Bill 154 on a 144-15 vote to update 25 code sections that reference the U.S. Department of Education, making the changes contingent on the federal agencyno longer existing.
The Georgia House on March 21 passed Senate Bill 154, a measure that updates multiple sections of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to replace direct references to the U.S. Department of Education with language such as "or its successor." The bill passed 144-15 after floor debate and questions from members.
The billintroduced in the Senate and carried to the House by Chairman Dubnickwas described on the floor as a forward-looking technical cleanup. "All we're doing is updating," Chairman Dubnick said, explaining the measure touches roughly 25 code sections to avoid future conflicts if a federal agency's role changes.
Supporters said the change would prevent disruptions to professional licensing, student-aid references and other state administrative processes if federal structures change. Representative David Wilkerson, who spoke in favor of an amendment adopted in the House, said adding the condition that the changes take effect only "if the Department of Education goes away" provided needed protections for Georgians.
Opponents expressed concern about acting on anticipated federal moves. Representative Sanchez asked whether the Legislature should act based on an executive order, and a member who identified herself as opposed noted constitutional and legal limits on abolishing a federal agency solely by executive order. House floor leaders and other proponents responded that the bill is precautionary and would help avoid state-level confusion if Washington acts before Georgia lawmakers return to session.
The House adopted the committee substitute with no recorded objections and then passed the bill by a roll-call vote: yays 144, nays 15. The clerk recorded that the bill received the requisite constitutional majority and was therefore passed.
Votes at the final reading were conducted by electronic machine. The committee substitute had been recommended by the House Committee on Education after the Senate sent the bill to the chamber.
