Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 479: Compulsory Attendance; adopt a policy that students shall be granted not less than one excused absence for attending or participating in a civic or political event; require the local governing body
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 479 is a bill introduced in the Georgia Senate on February 9, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Compulsory Attendance; adopt a policy that students shall be granted not less than one excused absence for attending or participating in a civic or political event; require the local governing body. Primary sponsor: RaShaun Kemp (Democratic), Randal Mangham (Democratic), Jaha Howard (Democratic), Kenya Wicks (Democratic), Harold Jones (Democratic), Josh McLaurin (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 10, 2026): Senate Read and Referred.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Subpart 2 of Part 1 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compulsory attendance relative to elementary and secondary school students, so as to require the local governing body for each school system and public school to adopt a policy providing that students shall be granted not less than one excused absence per school year for attending or participating in a civic or political event; to require the State Board of Education to develop a model policy; to provide a definition; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RaShaun Kemp | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 38 |
| Randal Mangham | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 55 |
| Jaha Howard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 35 |
| Kenya Wicks | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 34 |
| Harold Jones | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 22 |
| Josh McLaurin | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 14 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Senate Read and Referred
- Senate Hopper