Georgia Senate agrees to House substitute for SB 179, sets computer science as a graduation requirement and adds civics-organization access amendment

The Georgia Senate voted 48–3 to agree, as amended, to the House substitute to Senate Bill 179 during today's floor session. The substitute and the amendment together make computer science a high school graduation requirement beginning in the 2031–32 school year and add local provisions governing in-school access by certain civic organizations.

Senator Dixon, who spoke to the amendment, said the change revisits portions of last year's school-safety legislation and adds provisions to permit groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, Future Farmers of America and similar organizations to speak with students during school hours with at least 30 days' notice and superintendent approval. "This would allow them access to schools to teach civics, to promote their organization. It would not force them to have access," Dixon said on the floor.

The House substitute text read into the record by the clerk would, among other measures, require that beginning in the 2031–32 school year a computer science course be a high-school graduation requirement and raise the allowable per-student fee for Georgia virtual school courses from $250 to $350. The substitute also includes language on student-record transfers, evidence-based youth violence prevention training programs, anonymous reporting policies and related definitions.

During brief debate, the senator from the 19th asked whether the substitute's section 3 — which appears to change the definition of "private school" and to include certain online schools — was included in last year's legislation and what the practical effect of that change would be for funding or notice requirements. Senator Dixon said he would need to consult with the House author for intent on that specific provision.

On the motion to agree as amended, the secretary reported the yeas were 48 and the nays were 3; the motion carried and the measure passed on the floor.

What happens next: Senate practice requires enrollment and transmittal steps after passage; sponsors and the clerk will handle those procedural steps before the bill proceeds to the governor or other required actions. The record does not show an immediate signature or gubernatorial action during this session.