Subcommittee approves bill giving charter schools priority access to unused district facilities with market‑value protections

Representative Silcox introduced House Bill 13 08 (LC492573) to define when a school facility is "unused" and to require local districts to make such facilities available to charter schools. The bill defines "unused" as not used for a specified period (the text under discussion in committee referenced two academic years and a percentage threshold) and provides a purchase option and an appeal path through the Office of Charter School Compliance for qualifying charter applicants.

Members questioned why the bill prioritizes charter schools over other potential uses, such as affordable housing or community centers. The sponsor said the "highest and best use" of a school building is generally a school, and argued charters face demand and facility barriers; Ron Mayo of the Georgia Charter Schools Association and Jeremy Berry of National Heritage Academies testified about long charter waitlists and many unused district facilities across metro Atlanta.

Committee members also sought clarifications about the definition of "unused" (for example, whether administration buildings would be covered) and the decision‑making or arbitral role for appeals; members asked the sponsor to revisit lines defining the threshold and to consider whether the Department of Education or State Board should have an arbitration role. A member offered a friendly amendment to require that sales be at or close to market value; the amendment was adopted and the amended bill passed by voice vote in subcommittee.

The sponsor and members said they would work offline to refine language on definitions and appeal procedures before the bill proceeds to full committee.