Committee approves bill to opt Georgia into federal $1,700 per‑student education tax benefit

Chairman Hilton presented Senate Bill 446, saying it mirrors prior house language and would opt Georgia into a federal program that provides a $1,700 per‑student federal tax benefit for both private and public school students. He said the bill would place the state on an annual opt‑in basis to provide families certainty about education options.

"We believe it's in the best interest of parents, families, students, that we automatically opt in on an annual basis to provide certainty in that child's education and the options available to them," Chairman Hilton said, describing the bill as an implementation of federal option language that other states have adopted.

There were no substantive questions recorded during the committee presentation. A motion to "do pass" received a second and the committee voted by voice; members responded 'aye' and the chair announced the bill passes. The transcript does not contain a roll‑call tally; the committee approved SB446 by voice vote.

The measure, presented as LC59441S and described as similar to House Bill 1135, will continue through the legislative process after committee approval.