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Bill to align military credit rules for veterans receives first hearing
Summary
HB 13‑82 would encourage USG and TCSG institutions to award academic credit for military service, authorize use of Joint Service Transcripts, and require a public guide of courses previously awarded credit. Sponsor said USG already largely follows the practice and is working with stakeholders on a substitute. No vote was taken.
Representative Eric Gessler presented HB 13‑82 to the House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 26, proposing statutory changes to improve how colleges in Georgia award academic credit for military service.
Gessler framed the bill as removing administrative barriers that sometimes force veterans to repeat coursework that matches training received in the military. The measure would: (1) apply language already used by TCSG to USG to encourage credit for military service; (2) authorize institutions to use Joint Service Transcripts (JST) when awarding credit; and (3) direct institutions to publish a guide showing which military courses have previously been accepted for credit based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.
Sponsor and members discussed implementation details. Gessler said he had consulted USG staff, who asked only for a modest change to require a public database in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Services; the sponsor said he was working with legislative counsel on a substitute to add that language. Members urged outreach to TCSG and others to ensure the substitute language addresses administrative concerns and asked for examples of commonly accepted military courses. The sponsor and committee staff agreed to invite USG and TCSG representatives for a follow‑up hearing.
Why it matters: Supporters said clearer, consistent crediting of military experience can accelerate veterans' progress in higher education and reduce tuition costs by avoiding duplicate coursework.
Next steps: The sponsor will circulate substitute language and coordinate testimony from USG/TCSG staff before the bill returns. The committee did not take a vote at the hearing.
