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Committee hears bill to expand foreign‑funding disclosure to all countries and K–12, USG and TCSG institutions
Summary
HB 13‑79 would broaden Georgia's foreign funding disclosure to cover donations from any country to K–12, USG and TCSG institutions and require semiannual reporting to the Department of Audits. Supporters cited Foundation for Defense of Democracies findings about Qatar Foundation International grants; committee discussion focused on scope, private schools and administrative burden. No vote was taken.
The House Higher Education Committee on Feb. 26 heard HB 13‑79, a proposal to expand state reporting of foreign funding to educational institutions. Sponsor Representative Houston Gaines said the bill broadens last year’s statute — which focused on a set of designated "countries of concern" — to require disclosure of foreign funding from all countries for K–12, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG).
Gaines and co‑sponsors described the change as a transparency measure, not a ban. "This doesn't ban the funding. It simply requires transparency so that people across the state understand what's occurring," Gaines said.
Supporters pointed to records and reporting that, they say, show significant grants from foreign sources to Georgia institutions. A representative identifying work done with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the group found QFI grants totaling roughly $280,000 to public K–12 schools in Georgia and more than $200,000 to Georgia State University. "We have found the tip of the iceberg," the speaker said, urging disclosure so parents and taxpayers can see the source and use of funds.
Public commenters and committee members expressed broad support for transparency, though several members raised technical questions about scope and administrative impact. Representative Carter Barrett, echoing earlier debate on thresholds, asked whether the bill should mirror last year’s $1,000 reporting threshold; the sponsor said he was open to matching that figure but that the draft currently would capture all foreign funds. Members also asked whether private schools that receive state funds should be included; the sponsor and others indicated they are open to language changes to cover certain private or charter schools that receive public support.
Committee members asked how the bill would treat entities such as the Qatar Foundation International (QFI) and whether the measure conflates nation‑states and private foundations. Witnesses clarified QFI’s corporate structure (previously a U.S. nonprofit, now a U.S. LLC funded by the Qatari ruling family) and said some donations appear to influence curriculum decisions in ways they consider concerning. A Sandy Springs resident who testified in favor said the bill would help "sort through" legitimate and illegitimate funding.
Next steps: Committee members did not vote on HB 13‑79. The sponsor said he will consult with stakeholders, including USG and TCSG, and consider amendments (thresholds, reporting recipients and inclusion of certain private entities) before the bill returns.
Ending: The committee took no formal action; sponsors and staff will work with members on technical language and reporting pathways before a future hearing.
