The Georgia Senate Wednesday passed Senate Bill (SB) 123, a measure aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism in schools across the state.
Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), it would establish a localized approach, working with families, administrators and those identified as chronically absent when reviewing individual cases. Additionally, the bill would require local boards of education to implement policies for identifying and intervening with chronically absent students, ensuring a focus on the root causes of their absences.
“I’m proud to see SB 123 earn the Senate’s support, as tackling chronic absenteeism is a top priority for me this session,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Students who frequently miss school risk falling behind, jeopardizing their ability to build a strong educational foundation. With this legislation, we are taking a crucial step toward strengthening our schools and securing a brighter future for Georgia’s students.”
Georgia’s school attendance laws have not been updated since 2007, leaving gaps in how chronic absenteeism is handled at the individual level.
In 2024, 21.3% of Georgia students—nearly 360,000—were chronically absent, missing 10% or more of their school days. If signed into law, SB 123 would require school climate committees to develop a comprehensive framework for improving student attendance. This legislation would also establish localized attendance review teams to determine the most effective strategies for reducing absenteeism. Additionally, they would be responsible for reporting their progress to the General Assembly.
For more information about the legislation, click here.
