O.C.G.A. § 20-2-666 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-666
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-666
Status: in_force

(a) An operator shall not knowingly engage in any of the following activities with respect to such operator's site, service, or application without explicit written consent from the student's parent or guardian, or an eligible student: (1) Use student data to engage in behaviorally targeted advertising on the operator's site, service, or application or target advertising on any other site, service, or application when the targeting of the advertising is based upon any student data and state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers that the operator has acquired because of the use of such operator's site, service, or application; (2) Use information, including state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers, created or gathered by the operator's site, service, or application, to amass a profile about a student except in furtherance of K-12 school purposes. For purposes of this paragraph, “amass a profile” does not include collection and retention of account records or information that remains under the control of the student, parent, or local board of education; (3) Sell a student's data. This prohibition does not apply to the purchase, merger, or other type of acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the operator or successor entity continues to be subject to the provisions of this Code section with respect to previously acquired student data that is subject to this article; or (4) Disclose student personally identifiable data without explicit written or electronic consent from a student over the age of 13 or a student's parent or guardian, given in response to clear and conspicuous notice of the activity, unless the disclosure is made: (A) In furtherance of the K-12 school purposes of the site, service, or application; provided, however, that the recipient of the student data disclosed (i) shall not further disclose the student data unless done to allow or improve the operability and functionality within that student's classroom or school, and (ii) is legally required to comply with the requirements of this article and not use the student information in violation of this article; (B) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (C) To respond to or participate in judicial process; (D) To protect the security or integrity of the entity's website, service, or application; (E) To protect the safety of users or others or security of the site; (F) To a service provider, provided that the operator contractually (i) prohibits the service provider from using any student data for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to, or on behalf of, the operator, (ii) requires such service provider to impose the same restrictions as in this paragraph on its own service providers, and (iii) requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section; or (G) For an educational, public health, or employment purpose requested by the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any purpose.

(a) An operator shall not knowingly engage in any of the following activities with respect to such operator's site, service, or application without explicit written consent from the student's parent or guardian, or an eligible student:

(1) Use student data to engage in behaviorally targeted advertising on the operator's site, service, or application or target advertising on any other site, service, or application when the targeting of the advertising is based upon any student data and state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers that the operator has acquired because of the use of such operator's site, service, or application;

(1) Use student data to engage in behaviorally targeted advertising on the operator's site, service, or application or target advertising on any other site, service, or application when the targeting of the advertising is based upon any student data and state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers that the operator has acquired because of the use of such operator's site, service, or application;

(2) Use information, including state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers, created or gathered by the operator's site, service, or application, to amass a profile about a student except in furtherance of K-12 school purposes. For purposes of this paragraph, “amass a profile” does not include collection and retention of account records or information that remains under the control of the student, parent, or local board of education;

(2) Use information, including state-assigned student identifiers or other persistent unique identifiers, created or gathered by the operator's site, service, or application, to amass a profile about a student except in furtherance of K-12 school purposes. For purposes of this paragraph, “amass a profile” does not include collection and retention of account records or information that remains under the control of the student, parent, or local board of education;

(3) Sell a student's data. This prohibition does not apply to the purchase, merger, or other type of acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the operator or successor entity continues to be subject to the provisions of this Code section with respect to previously acquired student data that is subject to this article; or

(3) Sell a student's data. This prohibition does not apply to the purchase, merger, or other type of acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the operator or successor entity continues to be subject to the provisions of this Code section with respect to previously acquired student data that is subject to this article; or

(4) Disclose student personally identifiable data without explicit written or electronic consent from a student over the age of 13 or a student's parent or guardian, given in response to clear and conspicuous notice of the activity, unless the disclosure is made: (A) In furtherance of the K-12 school purposes of the site, service, or application; provided, however, that the recipient of the student data disclosed (i) shall not further disclose the student data unless done to allow or improve the operability and functionality within that student's classroom or school, and (ii) is legally required to comply with the requirements of this article and not use the student information in violation of this article; (B) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (C) To respond to or participate in judicial process; (D) To protect the security or integrity of the entity's website, service, or application; (E) To protect the safety of users or others or security of the site; (F) To a service provider, provided that the operator contractually (i) prohibits the service provider from using any student data for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to, or on behalf of, the operator, (ii) requires such service provider to impose the same restrictions as in this paragraph on its own service providers, and (iii) requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section; or (G) For an educational, public health, or employment purpose requested by the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any purpose.

(4) Disclose student personally identifiable data without explicit written or electronic consent from a student over the age of 13 or a student's parent or guardian, given in response to clear and conspicuous notice of the activity, unless the disclosure is made:

(A) In furtherance of the K-12 school purposes of the site, service, or application; provided, however, that the recipient of the student data disclosed (i) shall not further disclose the student data unless done to allow or improve the operability and functionality within that student's classroom or school, and (ii) is legally required to comply with the requirements of this article and not use the student information in violation of this article;

(A) In furtherance of the K-12 school purposes of the site, service, or application; provided, however, that the recipient of the student data disclosed (i) shall not further disclose the student data unless done to allow or improve the operability and functionality within that student's classroom or school, and (ii) is legally required to comply with the requirements of this article and not use the student information in violation of this article;

(B) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability;

(B) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability;

(C) To respond to or participate in judicial process;

(C) To respond to or participate in judicial process;

(D) To protect the security or integrity of the entity's website, service, or application;

(D) To protect the security or integrity of the entity's website, service, or application;

(E) To protect the safety of users or others or security of the site;

(E) To protect the safety of users or others or security of the site;

(F) To a service provider, provided that the operator contractually (i) prohibits the service provider from using any student data for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to, or on behalf of, the operator, (ii) requires such service provider to impose the same restrictions as in this paragraph on its own service providers, and (iii) requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section; or

(F) To a service provider, provided that the operator contractually (i) prohibits the service provider from using any student data for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to, or on behalf of, the operator, (ii) requires such service provider to impose the same restrictions as in this paragraph on its own service providers, and (iii) requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section; or

(G) For an educational, public health, or employment purpose requested by the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any purpose.

(G) For an educational, public health, or employment purpose requested by the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any purpose.

(b) An operator shall: (1) Implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the student data to protect that information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and (2) Delete a student's data within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed 45 days if the school or local board of education requests deletion of data under the control of the school or local board of education.

(b) An operator shall:

(1) Implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the student data to protect that information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and

(1) Implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate to the nature of the student data to protect that information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and

(2) Delete a student's data within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed 45 days if the school or local board of education requests deletion of data under the control of the school or local board of education.

(2) Delete a student's data within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed 45 days if the school or local board of education requests deletion of data under the control of the school or local board of education.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section, an operator may disclose student data, so long as paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section are not violated, under the following circumstances: (1) If another provision of federal or state law requires the operator to disclose the student data, and the operator complies with applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing that information; (2) For legitimate research purposes: (A) As required by state or federal law and subject to the restrictions under applicable state and federal law; or (B) As allowed by state or federal law and under the direction of a school, a local board of education, or the department, subject to compliance with subsection (a) of this Code section; or (3) To a state agency, local board of education, or school, for K-12 school purposes, as permitted by state or federal law.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section, an operator may disclose student data, so long as paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section are not violated, under the following circumstances:

(1) If another provision of federal or state law requires the operator to disclose the student data, and the operator complies with applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing that information;

(1) If another provision of federal or state law requires the operator to disclose the student data, and the operator complies with applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing that information;

(2) For legitimate research purposes: (A) As required by state or federal law and subject to the restrictions under applicable state and federal law; or (B) As allowed by state or federal law and under the direction of a school, a local board of education, or the department, subject to compliance with subsection (a) of this Code section; or

(2) For legitimate research purposes:

(A) As required by state or federal law and subject to the restrictions under applicable state and federal law; or

(A) As required by state or federal law and subject to the restrictions under applicable state and federal law; or

(B) As allowed by state or federal law and under the direction of a school, a local board of education, or the department, subject to compliance with subsection (a) of this Code section; or

(B) As allowed by state or federal law and under the direction of a school, a local board of education, or the department, subject to compliance with subsection (a) of this Code section; or

(3) To a state agency, local board of education, or school, for K-12 school purposes, as permitted by state or federal law.

(3) To a state agency, local board of education, or school, for K-12 school purposes, as permitted by state or federal law.

(d) Nothing in this Code section prohibits an operator from using student data, including student personally identifiable data, as follows: (1) For maintaining, delivering, developing, supporting, evaluating, improving, or diagnosing the operator's site, service, or application; (2) Within other sites, services, or applications owned by the operator, and intended for the school or student use, to evaluate and improve educational products or services intended for the school or student use; (3) For adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes; (4) For recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to students within a school service's site, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; (5) To respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or (6) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to retain such data for these purposes.

(d) Nothing in this Code section prohibits an operator from using student data, including student personally identifiable data, as follows:

(1) For maintaining, delivering, developing, supporting, evaluating, improving, or diagnosing the operator's site, service, or application;

(1) For maintaining, delivering, developing, supporting, evaluating, improving, or diagnosing the operator's site, service, or application;

(2) Within other sites, services, or applications owned by the operator, and intended for the school or student use, to evaluate and improve educational products or services intended for the school or student use;

(2) Within other sites, services, or applications owned by the operator, and intended for the school or student use, to evaluate and improve educational products or services intended for the school or student use;

(3) For adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes;

(3) For adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes;

(4) For recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to students within a school service's site, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party;

(4) For recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to students within a school service's site, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party;

(5) To respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or

(5) To respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or

(6) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to retain such data for these purposes.

(6) To ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to retain such data for these purposes.

(e) Nothing in this Code section prohibits an operator from using or sharing aggregate data or de-identified data as follows: (1) For the development and improvement of the operator's site, service, or application or other educational sites, services, or applications; or (2) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's products or services, including their marketing.

(e) Nothing in this Code section prohibits an operator from using or sharing aggregate data or de-identified data as follows:

(1) For the development and improvement of the operator's site, service, or application or other educational sites, services, or applications; or

(1) For the development and improvement of the operator's site, service, or application or other educational sites, services, or applications; or

(2) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's products or services, including their marketing.

(2) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's products or services, including their marketing.

(f) This Code section shall not be construed to limit the authority of a law enforcement agency to obtain any content or student data from an operator as authorized by law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(f) This Code section shall not be construed to limit the authority of a law enforcement agency to obtain any content or student data from an operator as authorized by law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(g) This Code section does not apply to general audience Internet websites, general audience online services, general audience online applications, or general audience mobile applications, even if login credentials created for an operator's site, service, or application may be used to access those general audience sites, services, or applications.

(g) This Code section does not apply to general audience Internet websites, general audience online services, general audience online applications, or general audience mobile applications, even if login credentials created for an operator's site, service, or application may be used to access those general audience sites, services, or applications.

(h) This Code section shall not be construed to limit Internet service providers from providing Internet connectivity to schools or students and their families.

(h) This Code section shall not be construed to limit Internet service providers from providing Internet connectivity to schools or students and their families.

(i) This Code section shall not be construed to prohibit an operator from marketing educational products directly to parents so long as the marketing did not result from the use of student data obtained without parental consent by the operator through the provision of services covered under this Code section.

(i) This Code section shall not be construed to prohibit an operator from marketing educational products directly to parents so long as the marketing did not result from the use of student data obtained without parental consent by the operator through the provision of services covered under this Code section.

(j) This Code section shall not be construed to impose a duty upon a provider of an electronic store, gateway, marketplace, or other means of purchasing or downloading software or applications to review or enforce compliance of this Code section on those applications or software.

(j) This Code section shall not be construed to impose a duty upon a provider of an electronic store, gateway, marketplace, or other means of purchasing or downloading software or applications to review or enforce compliance of this Code section on those applications or software.

(k) This Code section shall not be construed to impose a duty upon a provider of an interactive computer service, as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code , to review or enforce compliance with this Code section by third-party content providers.

(k) This Code section shall not be construed to impose a duty upon a provider of an interactive computer service, as defined in Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code , to review or enforce compliance with this Code section by third-party content providers.

(l) This Code section shall not be construed to impede the ability of a student or parent or guardian to download, transfer, or otherwise save or maintain their own student data or documents.

(l) This Code section shall not be construed to impede the ability of a student or parent or guardian to download, transfer, or otherwise save or maintain their own student data or documents.

(m) Nothing in this Code section or this article prevents the department or local board of education and their employees from recommending, directly or via a product or service, any educational materials, online content, services, or other products to any student or his or her family if the department or local board of education determines that such products will benefit the student and does not receive compensation for developing, enabling, or communicating such recommendations.

(m) Nothing in this Code section or this article prevents the department or local board of education and their employees from recommending, directly or via a product or service, any educational materials, online content, services, or other products to any student or his or her family if the department or local board of education determines that such products will benefit the student and does not receive compensation for developing, enabling, or communicating such recommendations.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-701 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-701
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-701
Status: in_force

Local school superintendents as applied to private schools, the Department of Education as applied to home study programs, or visiting teachers and attendance officers as applied to public schools, after written notice to the parent or guardian of a child, shall report to the juvenile or other court having jurisdiction under Chapter 11 of Title 15 any child who is absent from a public or private school or a home study program in violation of this subpart. If the judge of the court places such child in a home or in a public or private institution pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 15, school shall be provided for such child. The Department of Education shall coordinate with local school superintendents with respect to attendance records and notification for students in home study programs.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2014 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2014
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2014
Status: in_force

The Commissioner shall have the authority to require and conduct periodic examinations to verify the solvency of funds in the same manner and under the same conditions as insurers are examined under Chapter 2 of Title 33.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-991 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-991
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-991
Status: in_force

In addition to other compensation paid to members of the State Board of Education, the State School Superintendent, and employees of the state board, and to members of boards of education, school superintendents, teachers, principals, officers, and employees of boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and other administrators and employees of county and other local public school systems, the state board, the boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and the several boards of education of counties, cities, and independent school systems, whenever created, are authorized, in their discretion, to purchase policies of liability insurance or contracts of indemnity insuring or indemnifying the members of the state board, State School Superintendent, employees of the state board, officers and employees of boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and the members of the boards of education, superintendents, teachers, principals, and other administrators and employees against damages arising out of the performance of their duties or in any way connected therewith, whether based upon negligence, violation of contract rights, or violation of civil, constitutional, common-law, or other statutory rights, whether state, federal, or both. Such boards may expend state, county, federal, and local funds, or any combination thereof, for such purposes. The amount of such insurance or indemnity shall be in the discretion of the respective board. No action shall be maintained against the person or company issuing such insurance or contracting for such indemnity until final judgment has first been entered against the individual covered by such policy or contract.
O.C.G.A. § 20-13-8 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 13 / Section 20-13-8
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-13-8
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The commission is authorized and empowered to hold licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission or other appropriate governmental agencies necessary for the operation of public telecommunications facilities and to operate such facilities in the State of Georgia for the purpose of serving the educational and public telecommunications needs of the State of Georgia and the various communities within the state. For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications facilities shall include noncommercial educational radio and television stations, auxiliary broadcast facilities, low power television or radio stations, satellite earth stations, microwave stations, cable television systems, instructional television fixed service facilities, and such other telecommunications equipment and facilities as may be necessary for the provision of public telecommunications services to as much of the State of Georgia as feasible and for the realization of the other purposes of this chapter. (2) For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications services shall include noncommercial educational and cultural radio and television programs and related instructional or informational material that may be transmitted by means of electronic communications.

(a)(1) The commission is authorized and empowered to hold licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission or other appropriate governmental agencies necessary for the operation of public telecommunications facilities and to operate such facilities in the State of Georgia for the purpose of serving the educational and public telecommunications needs of the State of Georgia and the various communities within the state. For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications facilities shall include noncommercial educational radio and television stations, auxiliary broadcast facilities, low power television or radio stations, satellite earth stations, microwave stations, cable television systems, instructional television fixed service facilities, and such other telecommunications equipment and facilities as may be necessary for the provision of public telecommunications services to as much of the State of Georgia as feasible and for the realization of the other purposes of this chapter.

(a)(1) The commission is authorized and empowered to hold licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission or other appropriate governmental agencies necessary for the operation of public telecommunications facilities and to operate such facilities in the State of Georgia for the purpose of serving the educational and public telecommunications needs of the State of Georgia and the various communities within the state. For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications facilities shall include noncommercial educational radio and television stations, auxiliary broadcast facilities, low power television or radio stations, satellite earth stations, microwave stations, cable television systems, instructional television fixed service facilities, and such other telecommunications equipment and facilities as may be necessary for the provision of public telecommunications services to as much of the State of Georgia as feasible and for the realization of the other purposes of this chapter.

(2) For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications services shall include noncommercial educational and cultural radio and television programs and related instructional or informational material that may be transmitted by means of electronic communications.

(2) For the purposes of this chapter, public telecommunications services shall include noncommercial educational and cultural radio and television programs and related instructional or informational material that may be transmitted by means of electronic communications.

(b) The prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence as of January 1, 1990, is directed to do all acts necessary to make application, as promptly as possible, to the Federal Communications Commission for the necessary authority to transfer or assign to the commission created by this chapter any and all Federal Communications Commission licenses or other authorizations which it holds or for which applications are pending before the Federal Communications Commission.

(b) The prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence as of January 1, 1990, is directed to do all acts necessary to make application, as promptly as possible, to the Federal Communications Commission for the necessary authority to transfer or assign to the commission created by this chapter any and all Federal Communications Commission licenses or other authorizations which it holds or for which applications are pending before the Federal Communications Commission.

(c) The prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission is also directed to take actions mandated by the Federal Communications Commission or prudent to preserve and provide for the orderly transfer of the licenses. On the first Monday following the expiration of 40 days after the last grant of Federal Communications Commission authority for the assignment to the commission created by this chapter of any Federal Communications Commission license or other authorization, the prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence on January 1, 1990, is authorized and directed to transfer or assign to the commission created by this chapter all rights, title, and interest to all such facilities and equipment, unless the commission created by this chapter shall direct that a later date for said transfer shall be utilized, in which event the date specified by the commission created by this chapter shall control said transfer. Until the transfer to the commission created by this chapter of the Federal Communications Commission license or other authorization, the noncommercial educational broadcast stations licensed to the prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence on January 1, 1990, shall remain under the control of such prior commission.

(c) The prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission is also directed to take actions mandated by the Federal Communications Commission or prudent to preserve and provide for the orderly transfer of the licenses. On the first Monday following the expiration of 40 days after the last grant of Federal Communications Commission authority for the assignment to the commission created by this chapter of any Federal Communications Commission license or other authorization, the prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence on January 1, 1990, is authorized and directed to transfer or assign to the commission created by this chapter all rights, title, and interest to all such facilities and equipment, unless the commission created by this chapter shall direct that a later date for said transfer shall be utilized, in which event the date specified by the commission created by this chapter shall control said transfer. Until the transfer to the commission created by this chapter of the Federal Communications Commission license or other authorization, the noncommercial educational broadcast stations licensed to the prior Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission in existence on January 1, 1990, shall remain under the control of such prior commission.

(d) The commission created by this chapter shall integrate the facilities and equipment provided for in subsection (c) of this Code section and shall perform the following functions: (1) Ensure the production and delivery of educational materials as needed by the state's educational entities, which shall include: (A) Making instructional television available state wide to the various institutions of secondary, postsecondary, and higher education as well as the general public; (B) Assisting in design of public telecommunications systems in public schools and training of public school employees to operate such systems effectively; (C) Working with the Department of Education, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and the board of regents in planning and providing the most flexible instructional television delivery system possible, to include design, building, and operating of various open-air and closed circuit electronic delivery systems to serve elementary, secondary, postsecondary, vocational, college, postgraduate, and adult continuing educational needs; and (D) Providing public telecommunications services state wide and meeting the public telecommunications needs of the public in the state; (2) Initiate negotiations when deemed appropriate and acquire any other public broadcasting facilities that would enhance and improve the commission's public broadcasting network; (3) Develop and implement a plan to establish adequate levels of local programming; (4) Serve the public telecommunications television and radio production needs of all public agencies in the state which request such assistance on an at-cost purchase-of-services basis; (5) Provide and acquire television and radio programming as needed; (6) Purchase and provide services as necessary from and to public and private entities so as to perform effectively and efficiently its responsibilities and increase its fund base; (7) Solicit and receive funds from the general public, corporate underwriters, and various public and private foundations; (8) Enter into contracts individually or jointly with other entities for the production of quality educational and public programming; (9) Make maximum efficient use of production and transmission equipment; plan equipment replacements in an orderly fashion; and monitor ongoing technological advances so that they can be adopted when they become cost feasible; (10) Be empowered and encouraged to provide and maintain a state-wide public radio network and radio reading service for the visually disabled; (11) Comply with all applicable regulations, such as ascertainment of viewer and listener needs and provisions for local participation; (12) Offer technical assistance upon request to local governments in their negotiation of franchise agreements with cable television companies; (13) Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other organizations involved in public and private telecommunications in Georgia; (14) Represent the state with other public telecommunications and regulatory agencies in Georgia, in other states, and at the national level; (15) Represent the state as the coordinating entity for the National Telecommunications and Information Agency's public telecommunications facilities program; (16) Establish and appoint advisory committees as necessary; and (17) Adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(d) The commission created by this chapter shall integrate the facilities and equipment provided for in subsection (c) of this Code section and shall perform the following functions:

(1) Ensure the production and delivery of educational materials as needed by the state's educational entities, which shall include: (A) Making instructional television available state wide to the various institutions of secondary, postsecondary, and higher education as well as the general public; (B) Assisting in design of public telecommunications systems in public schools and training of public school employees to operate such systems effectively; (C) Working with the Department of Education, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and the board of regents in planning and providing the most flexible instructional television delivery system possible, to include design, building, and operating of various open-air and closed circuit electronic delivery systems to serve elementary, secondary, postsecondary, vocational, college, postgraduate, and adult continuing educational needs; and (D) Providing public telecommunications services state wide and meeting the public telecommunications needs of the public in the state;

(1) Ensure the production and delivery of educational materials as needed by the state's educational entities, which shall include:

(A) Making instructional television available state wide to the various institutions of secondary, postsecondary, and higher education as well as the general public;

(A) Making instructional television available state wide to the various institutions of secondary, postsecondary, and higher education as well as the general public;

(B) Assisting in design of public telecommunications systems in public schools and training of public school employees to operate such systems effectively;

(B) Assisting in design of public telecommunications systems in public schools and training of public school employees to operate such systems effectively;

(C) Working with the Department of Education, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and the board of regents in planning and providing the most flexible instructional television delivery system possible, to include design, building, and operating of various open-air and closed circuit electronic delivery systems to serve elementary, secondary, postsecondary, vocational, college, postgraduate, and adult continuing educational needs; and

(C) Working with the Department of Education, the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, and the board of regents in planning and providing the most flexible instructional television delivery system possible, to include design, building, and operating of various open-air and closed circuit electronic delivery systems to serve elementary, secondary, postsecondary, vocational, college, postgraduate, and adult continuing educational needs; and

(D) Providing public telecommunications services state wide and meeting the public telecommunications needs of the public in the state;

(D) Providing public telecommunications services state wide and meeting the public telecommunications needs of the public in the state;

(2) Initiate negotiations when deemed appropriate and acquire any other public broadcasting facilities that would enhance and improve the commission's public broadcasting network;

(2) Initiate negotiations when deemed appropriate and acquire any other public broadcasting facilities that would enhance and improve the commission's public broadcasting network;

(3) Develop and implement a plan to establish adequate levels of local programming;

(3) Develop and implement a plan to establish adequate levels of local programming;

(4) Serve the public telecommunications television and radio production needs of all public agencies in the state which request such assistance on an at-cost purchase-of-services basis;

(4) Serve the public telecommunications television and radio production needs of all public agencies in the state which request such assistance on an at-cost purchase-of-services basis;

(5) Provide and acquire television and radio programming as needed;

(5) Provide and acquire television and radio programming as needed;

(6) Purchase and provide services as necessary from and to public and private entities so as to perform effectively and efficiently its responsibilities and increase its fund base;

(6) Purchase and provide services as necessary from and to public and private entities so as to perform effectively and efficiently its responsibilities and increase its fund base;

(7) Solicit and receive funds from the general public, corporate underwriters, and various public and private foundations;

(7) Solicit and receive funds from the general public, corporate underwriters, and various public and private foundations;

(8) Enter into contracts individually or jointly with other entities for the production of quality educational and public programming;

(8) Enter into contracts individually or jointly with other entities for the production of quality educational and public programming;

(9) Make maximum efficient use of production and transmission equipment; plan equipment replacements in an orderly fashion; and monitor ongoing technological advances so that they can be adopted when they become cost feasible;

(9) Make maximum efficient use of production and transmission equipment; plan equipment replacements in an orderly fashion; and monitor ongoing technological advances so that they can be adopted when they become cost feasible;

(10) Be empowered and encouraged to provide and maintain a state-wide public radio network and radio reading service for the visually disabled;

(10) Be empowered and encouraged to provide and maintain a state-wide public radio network and radio reading service for the visually disabled;

(11) Comply with all applicable regulations, such as ascertainment of viewer and listener needs and provisions for local participation;

(11) Comply with all applicable regulations, such as ascertainment of viewer and listener needs and provisions for local participation;

(12) Offer technical assistance upon request to local governments in their negotiation of franchise agreements with cable television companies;

(12) Offer technical assistance upon request to local governments in their negotiation of franchise agreements with cable television companies;

(13) Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other organizations involved in public and private telecommunications in Georgia;

(13) Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with other organizations involved in public and private telecommunications in Georgia;

(14) Represent the state with other public telecommunications and regulatory agencies in Georgia, in other states, and at the national level;

(14) Represent the state with other public telecommunications and regulatory agencies in Georgia, in other states, and at the national level;

(15) Represent the state as the coordinating entity for the National Telecommunications and Information Agency's public telecommunications facilities program;

(15) Represent the state as the coordinating entity for the National Telecommunications and Information Agency's public telecommunications facilities program;

(16) Establish and appoint advisory committees as necessary; and

(16) Establish and appoint advisory committees as necessary; and

(17) Adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(17) Adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-206 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-206
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-206
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term “ core academic subject ” means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, or geography.

(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term “ core academic subject ” means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, or geography.

(b)(1) Each local school system may provide an alternative teacher certification program upon approval by the Professional Standards Commission for a secondary school teacher candidate to teach a course or courses in a core academic subject who: (A) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach; (B) Receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching; (C) Participates in a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers or a teacher mentoring program; (D) Assumes functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years; and (E) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission. (2) The Professional Standards Commission shall apply the least restrictive standards when approving a school system developed program under this subsection. (3) Any teacher certified pursuant to this subsection shall be considered a highly qualified teacher for purposes of the federal No Child Left Behind Act ( P.L. 107-110 ). 1

(b)(1) Each local school system may provide an alternative teacher certification program upon approval by the Professional Standards Commission for a secondary school teacher candidate to teach a course or courses in a core academic subject who: (A) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach; (B) Receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching; (C) Participates in a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers or a teacher mentoring program; (D) Assumes functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years; and (E) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(b)(1) Each local school system may provide an alternative teacher certification program upon approval by the Professional Standards Commission for a secondary school teacher candidate to teach a course or courses in a core academic subject who:

(A) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach;

(A) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach;

(B) Receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching;

(B) Receives high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching;

(C) Participates in a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers or a teacher mentoring program;

(C) Participates in a program of intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing support for teachers or a teacher mentoring program;

(D) Assumes functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years; and

(D) Assumes functions as a teacher only for a specified period of time not to exceed three years; and

(E) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(E) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(2) The Professional Standards Commission shall apply the least restrictive standards when approving a school system developed program under this subsection.

(2) The Professional Standards Commission shall apply the least restrictive standards when approving a school system developed program under this subsection.

(3) Any teacher certified pursuant to this subsection shall be considered a highly qualified teacher for purposes of the federal No Child Left Behind Act ( P.L. 107-110 ). 1

(3) Any teacher certified pursuant to this subsection shall be considered a highly qualified teacher for purposes of the federal No Child Left Behind Act ( P.L. 107-110 ). 1

(c) Each local school system may provide an alternative teacher certification program upon approval by the Professional Standards Commission for a secondary school teacher candidate to teach a course or courses in a subject that is not a core academic subject who: (1) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach; and (2) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(c) Each local school system may provide an alternative teacher certification program upon approval by the Professional Standards Commission for a secondary school teacher candidate to teach a course or courses in a subject that is not a core academic subject who:

(1) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach; and

(1) Possesses a master's degree, doctoral degree, or Juris Doctor in each academic subject in which the candidate will teach; and

(2) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(2) Demonstrates satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission.

(d)(1) Pursuant to this subsection, each local school system shall support nontraditional teacher certification programs approved by the Professional Standards Commission for a teacher candidate who: (A) Is a veteran of the United States armed forces who was honorably discharged as evidenced by United States Department of Defense Form 214 or National Guard Bureau Form 22 or who is currently serving as a member of the United States armed forces in an active duty or reserve component; (B) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher, with a grade point average equal to or above a minimum established by the Professional Standards Commission, from a postsecondary educational institution approved by the Professional Standards Commission and accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; provided, however, that the degree requirement shall not apply if the candidate seeks to teach in a specific career, technical, and agricultural education field for which the Professional Standards Commission does not require a degree; and (C) Attains a passing score on the Georgia educator ethics assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE). (2) Upon an offer of employment by a local school system, the individual who meets the requirements provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be eligible for a three-year military support provisional certificate to be issued in one-year increments by the Professional Standards Commission following a joint application by the employing school system and the individual. During this three-year period, the individual shall: (A) Receive high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching; (B) During the first year, enroll in a nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission that includes intensive supervision with structured guidance and regular ongoing support. Individuals enrolling in such nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission shall receive priority enrollment; (C) During the first year, attain a passing score on the content assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or other assessment approved by the Professional Standards Commission; (D) During the second year, attain a passing score on the program admission assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or meets the exemption criteria for such assessment established by the Professional Standards Commission; (E) Assume functions as a teacher while completing a nontraditional educator preparation program for a period of time not to exceed three years; (F) Demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission; and (G) Successfully complete a nontraditional educator preparation program, after which the individual shall be eligible for an induction or professional certificate to be issued by the Professional Standards Commission.

(d)(1) Pursuant to this subsection, each local school system shall support nontraditional teacher certification programs approved by the Professional Standards Commission for a teacher candidate who: (A) Is a veteran of the United States armed forces who was honorably discharged as evidenced by United States Department of Defense Form 214 or National Guard Bureau Form 22 or who is currently serving as a member of the United States armed forces in an active duty or reserve component; (B) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher, with a grade point average equal to or above a minimum established by the Professional Standards Commission, from a postsecondary educational institution approved by the Professional Standards Commission and accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; provided, however, that the degree requirement shall not apply if the candidate seeks to teach in a specific career, technical, and agricultural education field for which the Professional Standards Commission does not require a degree; and (C) Attains a passing score on the Georgia educator ethics assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE).

(d)(1) Pursuant to this subsection, each local school system shall support nontraditional teacher certification programs approved by the Professional Standards Commission for a teacher candidate who:

(A) Is a veteran of the United States armed forces who was honorably discharged as evidenced by United States Department of Defense Form 214 or National Guard Bureau Form 22 or who is currently serving as a member of the United States armed forces in an active duty or reserve component;

(A) Is a veteran of the United States armed forces who was honorably discharged as evidenced by United States Department of Defense Form 214 or National Guard Bureau Form 22 or who is currently serving as a member of the United States armed forces in an active duty or reserve component;

(B) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher, with a grade point average equal to or above a minimum established by the Professional Standards Commission, from a postsecondary educational institution approved by the Professional Standards Commission and accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; provided, however, that the degree requirement shall not apply if the candidate seeks to teach in a specific career, technical, and agricultural education field for which the Professional Standards Commission does not require a degree; and

(B) Holds a bachelor's degree or higher, with a grade point average equal to or above a minimum established by the Professional Standards Commission, from a postsecondary educational institution approved by the Professional Standards Commission and accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; provided, however, that the degree requirement shall not apply if the candidate seeks to teach in a specific career, technical, and agricultural education field for which the Professional Standards Commission does not require a degree; and

(C) Attains a passing score on the Georgia educator ethics assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE).

(C) Attains a passing score on the Georgia educator ethics assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators (GACE).

(2) Upon an offer of employment by a local school system, the individual who meets the requirements provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be eligible for a three-year military support provisional certificate to be issued in one-year increments by the Professional Standards Commission following a joint application by the employing school system and the individual. During this three-year period, the individual shall: (A) Receive high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching; (B) During the first year, enroll in a nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission that includes intensive supervision with structured guidance and regular ongoing support. Individuals enrolling in such nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission shall receive priority enrollment; (C) During the first year, attain a passing score on the content assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or other assessment approved by the Professional Standards Commission; (D) During the second year, attain a passing score on the program admission assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or meets the exemption criteria for such assessment established by the Professional Standards Commission; (E) Assume functions as a teacher while completing a nontraditional educator preparation program for a period of time not to exceed three years; (F) Demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission; and (G) Successfully complete a nontraditional educator preparation program, after which the individual shall be eligible for an induction or professional certificate to be issued by the Professional Standards Commission.

(2) Upon an offer of employment by a local school system, the individual who meets the requirements provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be eligible for a three-year military support provisional certificate to be issued in one-year increments by the Professional Standards Commission following a joint application by the employing school system and the individual. During this three-year period, the individual shall:

(A) Receive high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching;

(A) Receive high-quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction, before and while teaching;

(B) During the first year, enroll in a nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission that includes intensive supervision with structured guidance and regular ongoing support. Individuals enrolling in such nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission shall receive priority enrollment;

(B) During the first year, enroll in a nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission that includes intensive supervision with structured guidance and regular ongoing support. Individuals enrolling in such nontraditional educator preparation program approved by the Professional Standards Commission shall receive priority enrollment;

(C) During the first year, attain a passing score on the content assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or other assessment approved by the Professional Standards Commission;

(C) During the first year, attain a passing score on the content assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or other assessment approved by the Professional Standards Commission;

(D) During the second year, attain a passing score on the program admission assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or meets the exemption criteria for such assessment established by the Professional Standards Commission;

(D) During the second year, attain a passing score on the program admission assessment portion of the Georgia Assessments for Certification of Educators or meets the exemption criteria for such assessment established by the Professional Standards Commission;

(E) Assume functions as a teacher while completing a nontraditional educator preparation program for a period of time not to exceed three years;

(E) Assume functions as a teacher while completing a nontraditional educator preparation program for a period of time not to exceed three years;

(F) Demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission; and

(F) Demonstrate satisfactory progress toward full certification as prescribed by the Professional Standards Commission; and

(G) Successfully complete a nontraditional educator preparation program, after which the individual shall be eligible for an induction or professional certificate to be issued by the Professional Standards Commission.

(G) Successfully complete a nontraditional educator preparation program, after which the individual shall be eligible for an induction or professional certificate to be issued by the Professional Standards Commission.

(e) A local school system shall not discriminate or treat differently in any manner a teacher possessing initial certification pursuant to this Code section, an applicant seeking initial certification pursuant to this Code section, or an individual meeting the requirement contained in subparagraph (b)(1)(A), paragraph (1) of subsection (c), or paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of this Code section and eligible for initial certification pursuant to this Code section, including, but not limited to, refusal to admit such teacher to a job fair or other teacher recruitment activity.

(e) A local school system shall not discriminate or treat differently in any manner a teacher possessing initial certification pursuant to this Code section, an applicant seeking initial certification pursuant to this Code section, or an individual meeting the requirement contained in subparagraph (b)(1)(A), paragraph (1) of subsection (c), or paragraph (1) of subsection (d) of this Code section and eligible for initial certification pursuant to this Code section, including, but not limited to, refusal to admit such teacher to a job fair or other teacher recruitment activity.

(f) A teacher receiving initial certification pursuant to this Code section shall be treated in the same manner as certificated professional personnel for purposes of this chapter or any local board of education policy, including receiving salaries pursuant to the minimum salary schedule provided for in Code Section 20-2-212 . A maximum of three years of creditable service shall be allowed for the previous military service of individuals who obtain a three-year military support provisional certificate pursuant to subsection (d) of this Code section.

(f) A teacher receiving initial certification pursuant to this Code section shall be treated in the same manner as certificated professional personnel for purposes of this chapter or any local board of education policy, including receiving salaries pursuant to the minimum salary schedule provided for in Code Section 20-2-212 . A maximum of three years of creditable service shall be allowed for the previous military service of individuals who obtain a three-year military support provisional certificate pursuant to subsection (d) of this Code section.

1 20 U.S.C.A. § 6301 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-48 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-48
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-48
Status: reserved

(a) This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act.”

(a) This part shall be known and may be cited as the “Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act.”

(b) As used in this part, the term: (1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests. (2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by: (A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or (B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity. Conduct or expressive activity shall not be considered a material or substantial disruption if it is protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful protests in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus (except during times when those areas have been reserved in advance for other events) or minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration. (3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any college or university under the management and control of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. (4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education. (5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment. (6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education. (7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

(b) As used in this part, the term:

(1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests.

(1) “ Campus community ” means students, administrators, faculty, and staff at the public institution of higher education and their invited guests.

(2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by: (A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or (B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.

(2) “ Materially and substantially disrupts ” means when a person intentionally engages in conduct or expressive activity which such person knew or reasonably should have known would significantly hinder another person's or group's expressive activity, prevent the communication of the person's or group's message, or prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by:

(A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or

(A) Engaging in fighting, violent, or other unlawful behavior; or

(B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.

(B) Physically blocking, using threats of violence, or creating loud or sustained noise or vocalization intended to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.

Conduct or expressive activity shall not be considered a material or substantial disruption if it is protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful protests in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus (except during times when those areas have been reserved in advance for other events) or minor, brief, or fleeting nonviolent disruptions of events that are isolated and short in duration.

(3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any college or university under the management and control of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

(3) “ Public institution of higher education ” or “ institution ” means any college or university under the management and control of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

(4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education.

(4) “ Student ” means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public institution of higher education.

(5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment.

(5) “ Student-on-student harassment ” means unwelcome conduct or expressive activity directed at a student that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that a student is effectively denied equal access to educational opportunities or benefits provided by the public institution of higher education. This term shall not apply to or govern any employment policy of a public institution of higher education relating to harassment.

(6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education.

(6) “ Student organization ” means any association, club, fraternity, society, sorority, or organized group of students, whether academic, athletic, political, social, or otherwise, that is officially recognized by a public institution of higher education.

(7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

(7) “ Unrestricted outdoor area of campus ” means any outdoor area of campus that is generally accessible to members of the campus community, including, but not limited to, grassy areas, walkways, or other common areas, and does not include outdoor areas when and where access to members of the campus community is lawfully restricted.

(c) Unrestricted outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education in this state shall be deemed public forums for the campus community, and public institutions of higher education shall not create “free speech zones” or other designated areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited for the campus community.

(c) Unrestricted outdoor areas of campuses of public institutions of higher education in this state shall be deemed public forums for the campus community, and public institutions of higher education shall not create “free speech zones” or other designated areas of campus outside of which expressive activities are prohibited for the campus community.

(d) Public institutions of higher education may maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for the campus community narrowly tailored in service of a significant institutional interest only when such restrictions employ clear, published, content- and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression. Any such restrictions shall allow for members of the campus community to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble and distribute literature. Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as limiting the right of student expression elsewhere on campus.

(d) Public institutions of higher education may maintain and enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for the campus community narrowly tailored in service of a significant institutional interest only when such restrictions employ clear, published, content- and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression. Any such restrictions shall allow for members of the campus community to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble and distribute literature. Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted as limiting the right of student expression elsewhere on campus.

(e) Protected expressive activity under this part consists of speech and other conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful verbal, written, audio-visual, or electronic expression by which individuals may communicate ideas to one another, including all forms of peaceful assembly, distributing literature, carrying signs, circulating petitions, demonstrations, protests, and speeches including those by guest speakers.

(e) Protected expressive activity under this part consists of speech and other conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, lawful verbal, written, audio-visual, or electronic expression by which individuals may communicate ideas to one another, including all forms of peaceful assembly, distributing literature, carrying signs, circulating petitions, demonstrations, protests, and speeches including those by guest speakers.

(f) Any person who wishes to engage in noncommercial expressive activity in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus shall be permitted to do so freely, as long as the person's conduct is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the public institution of higher education, subject to restrictions lawfully imposed under subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to make the unrestricted areas of campus into a designated public forum for persons who are not members of the campus community.

(f) Any person who wishes to engage in noncommercial expressive activity in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus shall be permitted to do so freely, as long as the person's conduct is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the public institution of higher education, subject to restrictions lawfully imposed under subsections (c) and (d) of this Code section. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to make the unrestricted areas of campus into a designated public forum for persons who are not members of the campus community.

(g) Nothing in this part shall be interpreted as preventing public institutions of higher education from prohibiting student-on-student harassment as defined in this part; from complying with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; or from prohibiting, limiting, or restricting expression that is not protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, true threats or expressive activity directed to provoke imminent lawless actions and likely to produce it.

(g) Nothing in this part shall be interpreted as preventing public institutions of higher education from prohibiting student-on-student harassment as defined in this part; from complying with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; or from prohibiting, limiting, or restricting expression that is not protected under the Georgia Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, including, but not limited to, true threats or expressive activity directed to provoke imminent lawless actions and likely to produce it.

(h) Nothing in this part shall enable individuals to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another's expressive activity that is occurring in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus or a campus space reserved for that activity under the exclusive use or control of a particular group.

(h) Nothing in this part shall enable individuals to engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another's expressive activity that is occurring in an unrestricted outdoor area of campus or a campus space reserved for that activity under the exclusive use or control of a particular group.

(i) Public institutions of higher education shall make public in their handbooks, on their websites, and through their orientation programs for students the policies, regulations, and expectations of students regarding free expressive activity on campus consistent with this part.

(i) Public institutions of higher education shall make public in their handbooks, on their websites, and through their orientation programs for students the policies, regulations, and expectations of students regarding free expressive activity on campus consistent with this part.

(j) Public institutions of higher education shall develop materials, programs, and procedures to ensure that those persons who have responsibility for discipline or education of students, such as administrators, campus police officers, residence life officials, and professors, understand the policies, regulations, and duties of public institutions of higher education regarding expressive activity on campus consistent with this part.

(j) Public institutions of higher education shall develop materials, programs, and procedures to ensure that those persons who have responsibility for discipline or education of students, such as administrators, campus police officers, residence life officials, and professors, understand the policies, regulations, and duties of public institutions of higher education regarding expressive activity on campus consistent with this part.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-519-5 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-519-5
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-519.5
Status: in_force

(a) To be eligible for a HOPE grant, a student seeking a diploma or certificate at a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a unit of the University System of Georgia shall, in addition to meeting the residency requirements set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-519.1 : (1) Meet achievement standards by earning a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of the quarter or semester in which the student has attended 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours of courses toward a diploma or certificate for which the student received HOPE funds pursuant to this part. The grade point average shall be calculated using such 30 semester or 45 quarter hours taken pursuant to this subsection. An otherwise eligible student who attains or regains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of a quarter or semester in which the student has attempted 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours may qualify or requalify for a HOPE grant; provided, however, that a student who receives a HOPE grant and loses eligibility pursuant to this paragraph is only eligible to regain or requalify for the HOPE grant one time; and (2) Meet enrollment standards by being admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in a matriculated status in a program of study leading to a certificate or diploma and maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the institution at which the student is enrolled.

(a) To be eligible for a HOPE grant, a student seeking a diploma or certificate at a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a unit of the University System of Georgia shall, in addition to meeting the residency requirements set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-519.1 :

(1) Meet achievement standards by earning a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of the quarter or semester in which the student has attended 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours of courses toward a diploma or certificate for which the student received HOPE funds pursuant to this part. The grade point average shall be calculated using such 30 semester or 45 quarter hours taken pursuant to this subsection. An otherwise eligible student who attains or regains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of a quarter or semester in which the student has attempted 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours may qualify or requalify for a HOPE grant; provided, however, that a student who receives a HOPE grant and loses eligibility pursuant to this paragraph is only eligible to regain or requalify for the HOPE grant one time; and

(1) Meet achievement standards by earning a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of the quarter or semester in which the student has attended 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours of courses toward a diploma or certificate for which the student received HOPE funds pursuant to this part. The grade point average shall be calculated using such 30 semester or 45 quarter hours taken pursuant to this subsection. An otherwise eligible student who attains or regains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the end of a quarter or semester in which the student has attempted 30 or 60 semester hours or 45 or 90 quarter hours may qualify or requalify for a HOPE grant; provided, however, that a student who receives a HOPE grant and loses eligibility pursuant to this paragraph is only eligible to regain or requalify for the HOPE grant one time; and

(2) Meet enrollment standards by being admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in a matriculated status in a program of study leading to a certificate or diploma and maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the institution at which the student is enrolled.

(2) Meet enrollment standards by being admitted, enrolled, and classified as an undergraduate student in a matriculated status in a program of study leading to a certificate or diploma and maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the standards and practices used for federal Title IV programs by the institution at which the student is enrolled.

(a.1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, a student seeking an associate degree at a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia who received a high school diploma pursuant to Code Section 20-2-149.2 through completion of: (1) A technical college diploma program and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field; or (2) At least two technical college certificate of credit programs in one specific career pathway and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field as determined by the Technical College System of Georgia shall be eligible for a HOPE grant as long as he or she meets the residency requirements set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-519.1 and the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section. The HOPE grant shall be used to cover the cost of up to 30 degree hours to obtain an associate degree.

(a.1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, a student seeking an associate degree at a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia who received a high school diploma pursuant to Code Section 20-2-149.2 through completion of:

(1) A technical college diploma program and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field; or

(1) A technical college diploma program and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field; or

(2) At least two technical college certificate of credit programs in one specific career pathway and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field as determined by the Technical College System of Georgia

(2) At least two technical college certificate of credit programs in one specific career pathway and all postsecondary academic education and technical education and training prerequisites for any state, national, or industry occupational certifications or licenses required to work in the field as determined by the Technical College System of Georgia

shall be eligible for a HOPE grant as long as he or she meets the residency requirements set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 20-3-519.1 and the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section. The HOPE grant shall be used to cover the cost of up to 30 degree hours to obtain an associate degree.

(b) There is no minimum number of hours of enrollment required for eligibility for a HOPE grant under this Code section.

(b) There is no minimum number of hours of enrollment required for eligibility for a HOPE grant under this Code section.

(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this Code section, an eligible student may receive HOPE grants for all coursework required by the institution for programs of study leading to a certificate or diploma, including remedial and developmental courses.

(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this Code section, an eligible student may receive HOPE grants for all coursework required by the institution for programs of study leading to a certificate or diploma, including remedial and developmental courses.

(d) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the General Assembly and provisions relating to the Lottery for Education Account in Code Section 50-27-13 , a HOPE grant awarded under this Code section shall equal the HOPE award amount.

(d) Subject to the amounts appropriated by the General Assembly and provisions relating to the Lottery for Education Account in Code Section 50-27-13 , a HOPE grant awarded under this Code section shall equal the HOPE award amount.

(d.1) For each semester or quarter following a semester or quarter that it is determined that a student is a Zell Miller Grant Scholar, a student shall be awarded an amount in addition to the HOPE award amount equal to the difference between the HOPE award amount and the then current academic year standard undergraduate tuition amount at the institution to be paid or the exceptional tuition rate amount in effect on January 1, 2014, for programs with exceptional tuition rates in effect on January 1, 2014. Eligibility to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar shall be determined on a semester or quarter basis and paid for the next semester or quarter in which a student is enrolled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Zell Miller Grant Scholar shall also receive one semester or quarter of retroactive payment if the student was not eligible to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar because he or she had no cumulative grade point average.

(d.1) For each semester or quarter following a semester or quarter that it is determined that a student is a Zell Miller Grant Scholar, a student shall be awarded an amount in addition to the HOPE award amount equal to the difference between the HOPE award amount and the then current academic year standard undergraduate tuition amount at the institution to be paid or the exceptional tuition rate amount in effect on January 1, 2014, for programs with exceptional tuition rates in effect on January 1, 2014. Eligibility to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar shall be determined on a semester or quarter basis and paid for the next semester or quarter in which a student is enrolled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Zell Miller Grant Scholar shall also receive one semester or quarter of retroactive payment if the student was not eligible to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar because he or she had no cumulative grade point average.

(e) No student who has a baccalaureate degree, its equivalent or higher, from any postsecondary institution shall be eligible to receive a HOPE grant. No student may receive HOPE grants for more than 95 quarter hours or 63 semester hours of attempted coursework. No student may receive more than a cumulative total of 190 quarter hours or 127 semester hours of combined HOPE scholarships and grants. For purposes of this subsection, attempted hours shall not include hours for courses taken and paid for by a HOPE grant while a student is participating in dual credit enrollment with both an eligible high school and a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a unit of the University System of Georgia. The Technical College System of Georgia or the University System of Georgia, as applicable, shall verify that the student is enrolled in an eligible high school and shall notify the Georgia Student Finance Commission of the student's participation in dual credit enrollment.

(e) No student who has a baccalaureate degree, its equivalent or higher, from any postsecondary institution shall be eligible to receive a HOPE grant. No student may receive HOPE grants for more than 95 quarter hours or 63 semester hours of attempted coursework. No student may receive more than a cumulative total of 190 quarter hours or 127 semester hours of combined HOPE scholarships and grants. For purposes of this subsection, attempted hours shall not include hours for courses taken and paid for by a HOPE grant while a student is participating in dual credit enrollment with both an eligible high school and a branch of the Technical College System of Georgia or a unit of the University System of Georgia. The Technical College System of Georgia or the University System of Georgia, as applicable, shall verify that the student is enrolled in an eligible high school and shall notify the Georgia Student Finance Commission of the student's participation in dual credit enrollment.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-313 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-313
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-313
Status: in_force

Employees of Department of Education governed by the State Board of Education shall be authorized to participate in the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program managed and coordinated through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2460 the same as school teachers in the local public school systems of this state. Such employees of the Department of Education may obtain a continuous leave of absence with pay for a period not to exceed 12 months when an exchange teacher through the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program will occupy such employee's position during such leave of absence and the state is not liable for any compensation or the provision of other benefits to such exchange teacher while performing the duties of the state employee. The State Board of Education shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary and execute any required contracts to enable the State Department of Education to participate in the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange Program, to assure a state employee's right to return to his or her previous position at the expiration of the leave of absence during participation in such program, and to protect the state from any liabilities with respect to the performance of any duties or functions for the state by an exchange teacher.
O.C.G.A. § 20-14-6 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 14 / Section 20-14-6
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-14-6
Status: in_force

All departments, boards, and offices represented on the alliance, the Office of Planning and Budget, and the Office of Student Achievement shall select and appoint such personnel as each such department, board, or office shall determine to be necessary to support the alliance in the performance of its duties, with the approval of the alliance. Such personnel shall serve at the direction of the alliance. Payment for all costs and salaries of such personnel shall come from funds appropriated to the respective departments, boards, and offices.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-2064 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-2064
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-2064
Status: in_force

(a) A charter petitioner seeking to create a conversion charter school must submit a petition to the local board of the local school system in which the proposed charter school will be located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension; provided, however, that a denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial; and provided, further, that the local board shall not act upon a petition for a conversion charter school, including, but not limited to, a conversion charter for a high school cluster, until such petition: (1)(A) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the faculty and instructional staff members of the petitioning local school at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; and (B) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the petitioning local school present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; or (2) If for a high school cluster, has been approved by a majority of the school councils in the high school cluster and has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by at least 60 percent of the combined vote of the faculty and instructional staff members of the high school cluster and the parents or guardians of students who reside in the attendance zone of such high school cluster present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval. Each school council within the high school cluster shall appoint two representatives to a committee that shall conduct the vote. This subsection shall not apply to a system charter school petitioning to be a conversion charter school.

(a) A charter petitioner seeking to create a conversion charter school must submit a petition to the local board of the local school system in which the proposed charter school will be located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension; provided, however, that a denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial; and provided, further, that the local board shall not act upon a petition for a conversion charter school, including, but not limited to, a conversion charter for a high school cluster, until such petition:

(1)(A) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the faculty and instructional staff members of the petitioning local school at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; and (B) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the petitioning local school present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; or

(1)(A) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the faculty and instructional staff members of the petitioning local school at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; and

(1)(A) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the faculty and instructional staff members of the petitioning local school at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; and

(B) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the petitioning local school present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; or

(B) Has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by a majority of the parents or guardians of students enrolled in the petitioning local school present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval; or

(2) If for a high school cluster, has been approved by a majority of the school councils in the high school cluster and has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by at least 60 percent of the combined vote of the faculty and instructional staff members of the high school cluster and the parents or guardians of students who reside in the attendance zone of such high school cluster present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval. Each school council within the high school cluster shall appoint two representatives to a committee that shall conduct the vote.

(2) If for a high school cluster, has been approved by a majority of the school councils in the high school cluster and has been freely agreed to, by secret ballot, by at least 60 percent of the combined vote of the faculty and instructional staff members of the high school cluster and the parents or guardians of students who reside in the attendance zone of such high school cluster present at a public meeting called with two weeks' advance notice for the purpose of deciding whether to submit the petition to the local board for its approval. Each school council within the high school cluster shall appoint two representatives to a committee that shall conduct the vote.

This subsection shall not apply to a system charter school petitioning to be a conversion charter school.

(b) A charter petitioner seeking to create a start-up charter school must submit a petition to the local board of the local school system in which the proposed charter school will be located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension. A denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial.

(b) A charter petitioner seeking to create a start-up charter school must submit a petition to the local board of the local school system in which the proposed charter school will be located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension. A denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial.

(c) A system charter school's school council or governing council, as applicable, may petition to become a conversion charter school. The petition shall be submitted to the local board of the charter system in which the school is located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension; provided, however, that a denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial.

(c) A system charter school's school council or governing council, as applicable, may petition to become a conversion charter school. The petition shall be submitted to the local board of the charter system in which the school is located. The local board must by a majority vote approve or deny a petition no later than 90 days after its submission unless the petitioner requests an extension; provided, however, that a denial of a petition by a local board shall not preclude the submission to the local board of a revised petition that addresses deficiencies cited in the denial.

(d) A local board shall approve a petition that complies with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures promulgated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-2063 and the provisions of this title and is in the public interest. If a local board denies a petition, it must within 60 days specifically state the reasons for the denial, list all deficiencies with respect to Code Section 20-2-2063 , and provide a written statement of the denial to the charter petitioner and the state board.

(d) A local board shall approve a petition that complies with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures promulgated in accordance with Code Section 20-2-2063 and the provisions of this title and is in the public interest. If a local board denies a petition, it must within 60 days specifically state the reasons for the denial, list all deficiencies with respect to Code Section 20-2-2063 , and provide a written statement of the denial to the charter petitioner and the state board.

(e) The state board or the Charter Advisory Committee, if directed by the state board to do so, may mediate between the local board and a charter petitioner whose petition was denied to assist in resolving issues which led to denial of the petition by the local board.

(e) The state board or the Charter Advisory Committee, if directed by the state board to do so, may mediate between the local board and a charter petitioner whose petition was denied to assist in resolving issues which led to denial of the petition by the local board.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-34 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-34
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-34
Status: in_force

The fiscal year of the board of regents and all institutions of the university system is from July 1 in each year through June 30 in the following year.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-310 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-310
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-310
Status: in_force

(a) Any public school at the secondary level which provides access to the campus or to student directory information to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational or educational options shall provide access to the campus and student directory information on at least the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military.

(a) Any public school at the secondary level which provides access to the campus or to student directory information to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational or educational options shall provide access to the campus and student directory information on at least the same basis to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military.

(b) Each eligible student in the public schools of this state shall be apprised of his or her right to register as an elector and to vote in elections and of any obligation to register with the Selective Service System. Each eligible student shall be given an opportunity, arranged by the school administration, to register to vote at his or her school during the month of April of each year. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out this Code section. An excused absence of a student to register or vote, at the discretion of the local unit of administration, shall not exceed one school day.

(b) Each eligible student in the public schools of this state shall be apprised of his or her right to register as an elector and to vote in elections and of any obligation to register with the Selective Service System. Each eligible student shall be given an opportunity, arranged by the school administration, to register to vote at his or her school during the month of April of each year. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out this Code section. An excused absence of a student to register or vote, at the discretion of the local unit of administration, shall not exceed one school day.

(c)(1) Each student in the public schools of this state shall be afforded the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America during each school day. It shall be the duty of each local board of education to establish a policy setting the time and manner for recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Such policy shall be established in writing and shall be distributed to each teacher within the school. (2) The State School Superintendent shall prepare for the use of the public schools of this state a program of instruction, subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, in the correct use and display of the flag of the United States of America which shall include, as a minimum, specific instruction regarding respect for such flag and its display and use as provided by federal law and regulation, and under such regulations and instructions as may best meet the varied requirements of the different grades in such schools. However, such instruction shall include, as a minimum, the provisions of 36 U.S.C. Sections 170 through 177 .

(c)(1) Each student in the public schools of this state shall be afforded the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America during each school day. It shall be the duty of each local board of education to establish a policy setting the time and manner for recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Such policy shall be established in writing and shall be distributed to each teacher within the school.

(c)(1) Each student in the public schools of this state shall be afforded the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America during each school day. It shall be the duty of each local board of education to establish a policy setting the time and manner for recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Such policy shall be established in writing and shall be distributed to each teacher within the school.

(2) The State School Superintendent shall prepare for the use of the public schools of this state a program of instruction, subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, in the correct use and display of the flag of the United States of America which shall include, as a minimum, specific instruction regarding respect for such flag and its display and use as provided by federal law and regulation, and under such regulations and instructions as may best meet the varied requirements of the different grades in such schools. However, such instruction shall include, as a minimum, the provisions of 36 U.S.C. Sections 170 through 177 .

(2) The State School Superintendent shall prepare for the use of the public schools of this state a program of instruction, subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, in the correct use and display of the flag of the United States of America which shall include, as a minimum, specific instruction regarding respect for such flag and its display and use as provided by federal law and regulation, and under such regulations and instructions as may best meet the varied requirements of the different grades in such schools. However, such instruction shall include, as a minimum, the provisions of 36 U.S.C. Sections 170 through 177 .
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-55 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-55
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-55
Status: in_force

(a)(1) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board on official business first authorized by a majority of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed prior to July 1, 2010. (2) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2010.

(a)(1) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board on official business first authorized by a majority of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed prior to July 1, 2010.

(a)(1) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board on official business first authorized by a majority of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at meetings of the board and while meeting and traveling within or outside the state as a member of a committee of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed prior to July 1, 2010.

(2) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2010.

(2) In any local school system for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education shall, when approved by the local board affected, receive a per diem of $50.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses necessarily incurred in connection therewith; provided, however, that in any independent school system with a full-time equivalent (FTE) program count of less than 4,000 students for which no local Act is passed, members of the local board of education may, when approved by the affected local board, receive a per diem of not less than $50.00 and not more than $100.00 for each day of attendance at a meeting, as defined in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 50-14-1 , of the board, plus reimbursement for actual expenses. The accounts for such service and expenses shall be submitted for approval to the local school superintendent. In all school districts, the compensation of members of local boards shall be paid only from the local tax funds available to local boards for educational purposes. This paragraph shall apply only to local board of education members elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2010.

(b)(1) A local board of education is authorized to provide group medical and dental insurance for its members who elect to participate. Such insurance may be provided through a group policy secured by the local school district, a group policy secured by several local school districts, a policy secured by an organization of local school boards, or in accordance with Code Section 45-18-5 providing for the inclusion of members of the local board of education and their spouses and dependents within any health insurance plan or plans established under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. It shall be the duty of the board to make the employer contributions required for the operation of such plan or plans. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board providing such insurance shall pay no greater percentage of the cost of that insurance than the percentage of the cost paid as an employer contribution by the state for the health insurance plan for state employees pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. The remainder of such insurance costs, and all the costs of any coverage for family members, shall be paid as an employee contribution by the board member. It shall be the duty of the board to deduct from the salary or other remuneration of qualified members or otherwise collect such payment from the qualified members or dependents. (2) Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education may be expended for employer contributions, but not employee contributions, required for insurance coverage of members of that board as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education also may be expended for contributions authorized in paragraph (3) of this subsection. Such expenditures on behalf of any member may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any employee contribution required for such coverage. That member, and eligible dependents thereof, shall be ineligible for coverage pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection upon such person's ceasing to serve as a member of a local board of education. Such expenditures on behalf of any member in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any contribution which is not the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate in the health insurance plan. Expenditures authorized by this Code section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any salary, expense, per diem, or other compensation payable to that member of a local board of education. (3) If a board member is already a member of a health insurance plan established by Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 as a retired employee and the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate is to establish dual eligibility for a member and thus to increase the cost to such member of the state insurance plan, then the local board may pay any additional cost imposed on such member as a result of the local board's decision to allow its members to participate in coverage under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(b)(1) A local board of education is authorized to provide group medical and dental insurance for its members who elect to participate. Such insurance may be provided through a group policy secured by the local school district, a group policy secured by several local school districts, a policy secured by an organization of local school boards, or in accordance with Code Section 45-18-5 providing for the inclusion of members of the local board of education and their spouses and dependents within any health insurance plan or plans established under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. It shall be the duty of the board to make the employer contributions required for the operation of such plan or plans. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board providing such insurance shall pay no greater percentage of the cost of that insurance than the percentage of the cost paid as an employer contribution by the state for the health insurance plan for state employees pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. The remainder of such insurance costs, and all the costs of any coverage for family members, shall be paid as an employee contribution by the board member. It shall be the duty of the board to deduct from the salary or other remuneration of qualified members or otherwise collect such payment from the qualified members or dependents.

(b)(1) A local board of education is authorized to provide group medical and dental insurance for its members who elect to participate. Such insurance may be provided through a group policy secured by the local school district, a group policy secured by several local school districts, a policy secured by an organization of local school boards, or in accordance with Code Section 45-18-5 providing for the inclusion of members of the local board of education and their spouses and dependents within any health insurance plan or plans established under Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. It shall be the duty of the board to make the employer contributions required for the operation of such plan or plans. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board providing such insurance shall pay no greater percentage of the cost of that insurance than the percentage of the cost paid as an employer contribution by the state for the health insurance plan for state employees pursuant to Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45. The remainder of such insurance costs, and all the costs of any coverage for family members, shall be paid as an employee contribution by the board member. It shall be the duty of the board to deduct from the salary or other remuneration of qualified members or otherwise collect such payment from the qualified members or dependents.

(2) Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education may be expended for employer contributions, but not employee contributions, required for insurance coverage of members of that board as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education also may be expended for contributions authorized in paragraph (3) of this subsection. Such expenditures on behalf of any member may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any employee contribution required for such coverage. That member, and eligible dependents thereof, shall be ineligible for coverage pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection upon such person's ceasing to serve as a member of a local board of education. Such expenditures on behalf of any member in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any contribution which is not the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate in the health insurance plan. Expenditures authorized by this Code section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any salary, expense, per diem, or other compensation payable to that member of a local board of education.

(2) Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education may be expended for employer contributions, but not employee contributions, required for insurance coverage of members of that board as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Taxes levied by or on behalf of a local board of education also may be expended for contributions authorized in paragraph (3) of this subsection. Such expenditures on behalf of any member may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any employee contribution required for such coverage. That member, and eligible dependents thereof, shall be ineligible for coverage pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection upon such person's ceasing to serve as a member of a local board of education. Such expenditures on behalf of any member in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection may continue only as long as that member continues in office and makes any contribution which is not the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate in the health insurance plan. Expenditures authorized by this Code section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any salary, expense, per diem, or other compensation payable to that member of a local board of education.

(3) If a board member is already a member of a health insurance plan established by Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 as a retired employee and the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate is to establish dual eligibility for a member and thus to increase the cost to such member of the state insurance plan, then the local board may pay any additional cost imposed on such member as a result of the local board's decision to allow its members to participate in coverage under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) If a board member is already a member of a health insurance plan established by Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 as a retired employee and the result of the board of education's decision to allow its members to participate is to establish dual eligibility for a member and thus to increase the cost to such member of the state insurance plan, then the local board may pay any additional cost imposed on such member as a result of the local board's decision to allow its members to participate in coverage under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-473 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-473
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-473
Status: in_force

The proceeds derived from the sale of any refunding schoolhouse bonds issued under the authority of this subpart shall be applied exclusively to the purposes provided in Code Sections 20-2-450 through 20-2-472 . None of such refunding bonds shall be exchanged except for outstanding bonds for which they were issued to retire. In no event shall the refunding schoolhouse bonds so issued exceed in amount the previously existing total schoolhouse bond debt of the district issuing such bonds with interest thereon.
O.C.G.A. § 20-3-410 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 3 / Section 20-3-410
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-3-410
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly finds that the facilities of accredited independent colleges and universities located within the state can be used more effectively in the public interest by the grant of financial assistance to citizens who choose to attend such colleges and universities and that the provision of such assistance will reduce the costs to the taxpayers of the state below the cost of providing similar instruction to such citizens within the university system. The purpose of the General Assembly, as provided for in this subpart, is to enable the authority to provide tuition equalization grant assistance to citizens who choose to attend such accredited private colleges and universities located within the state.

(a) The General Assembly finds that the facilities of accredited independent colleges and universities located within the state can be used more effectively in the public interest by the grant of financial assistance to citizens who choose to attend such colleges and universities and that the provision of such assistance will reduce the costs to the taxpayers of the state below the cost of providing similar instruction to such citizens within the university system. The purpose of the General Assembly, as provided for in this subpart, is to enable the authority to provide tuition equalization grant assistance to citizens who choose to attend such accredited private colleges and universities located within the state.

(b) The General Assembly further finds that, because of their location within the state, the four-year and graduate level institutions of the University System of Georgia are not equally available to citizens in certain areas of the state. The General Assembly further finds that extension of the program of tuition equalization grants established by this subpart to include certain students attending certain out-of-state institutions will be in the public interest as an effective and efficient means of making four-year and graduate level institutions of higher education more equally available to all citizens of the state.

(b) The General Assembly further finds that, because of their location within the state, the four-year and graduate level institutions of the University System of Georgia are not equally available to citizens in certain areas of the state. The General Assembly further finds that extension of the program of tuition equalization grants established by this subpart to include certain students attending certain out-of-state institutions will be in the public interest as an effective and efficient means of making four-year and graduate level institutions of higher education more equally available to all citizens of the state.
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-874 — GA Code / Title 20 / Chapter 2 / Section 20-2-874
Georgia Code Title 20. Education § 20-2-874
Status: in_force

As used in this subpart, the term:

(1) “ Actuarial accrued liability ” means that portion, as determined by a particular actuarial cost method, of the actuarial present value of fund obligations and administrative expenses which is not provided for by future normal costs.

(1) “ Actuarial accrued liability ” means that portion, as determined by a particular actuarial cost method, of the actuarial present value of fund obligations and administrative expenses which is not provided for by future normal costs.

(2) “ Actuarial assumptions ” means assumptions regarding the occurrence of future events affecting costs of the fund such as mortality, withdrawal, disability, and retirement; changes in compensation and offered post-employment benefits; rates of investment earnings and asset appreciation or depreciation; procedures used to determine the actuarial value of assets; and other such relevant items.

(2) “ Actuarial assumptions ” means assumptions regarding the occurrence of future events affecting costs of the fund such as mortality, withdrawal, disability, and retirement; changes in compensation and offered post-employment benefits; rates of investment earnings and asset appreciation or depreciation; procedures used to determine the actuarial value of assets; and other such relevant items.

(3) “ Actuarial cost method ” means a method for determining the actuarial present value of the obligations and administrative expenses of the fund and for developing an actuarially equivalent allocation of such value to time periods, usually in the form of a normal cost and an actuarial accrued liability. Acceptable actuarial methods are the aggregate, attained age, entry age, frozen attained age, frozen entry age, and projected unit credit methods.

(3) “ Actuarial cost method ” means a method for determining the actuarial present value of the obligations and administrative expenses of the fund and for developing an actuarially equivalent allocation of such value to time periods, usually in the form of a normal cost and an actuarial accrued liability. Acceptable actuarial methods are the aggregate, attained age, entry age, frozen attained age, frozen entry age, and projected unit credit methods.

(4) “ Actuarial valuation ” means the determination, as of a valuation date, of the normal cost, actuarial accrued liability, actuarial value of assets, and related actuarial present values for the fund.

(4) “ Actuarial valuation ” means the determination, as of a valuation date, of the normal cost, actuarial accrued liability, actuarial value of assets, and related actuarial present values for the fund.

(5) “ Actuarially sound ” means that calculated contributions to the fund are sufficient to pay the full actuarial cost of the fund. The full actuarial cost includes both the normal cost of providing for fund obligations as they accrue in the future and the cost of amortizing the unfunded actuarial accrued liability over a period of no more than 30 years.

(5) “ Actuarially sound ” means that calculated contributions to the fund are sufficient to pay the full actuarial cost of the fund. The full actuarial cost includes both the normal cost of providing for fund obligations as they accrue in the future and the cost of amortizing the unfunded actuarial accrued liability over a period of no more than 30 years.

(6) “ Administrative expenses ” means all expenses incurred in the operation of the fund, including all investment expenses.

(6) “ Administrative expenses ” means all expenses incurred in the operation of the fund, including all investment expenses.

(7) “ Annual required contribution ” means the amount determined in accordance with requirements of Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43 or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.

(7) “ Annual required contribution ” means the amount determined in accordance with requirements of Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43 or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.

(8) “ Board ” means the Board of Community Health.

(8) “ Board ” means the Board of Community Health.

(9) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of community health.

(9) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of community health.

(10) “ Covered health care expenses ” means all actual health care expenses incurred by the health plans on behalf of fund beneficiaries. Actual health care expenses include claims incurred by fund beneficiaries and providers and premiums incurred by intermediary entities and health care providers by the health plans.

(10) “ Covered health care expenses ” means all actual health care expenses incurred by the health plans on behalf of fund beneficiaries. Actual health care expenses include claims incurred by fund beneficiaries and providers and premiums incurred by intermediary entities and health care providers by the health plans.

(11) “ Department ” means the Department of Community Health.

(11) “ Department ” means the Department of Community Health.

(12) “ Eligible to participate ” means employees of employers who are participating in one of the health plans and those employees of employers who qualify to participate in the health plan but choose not to do so.

(12) “ Eligible to participate ” means employees of employers who are participating in one of the health plans and those employees of employers who qualify to participate in the health plan but choose not to do so.

(13) “ Employer ” means the entity with which the fund beneficiary had the direct, in the case of employees, or indirect, in the case of dependents, employment relationship that gave rise to the fund beneficiary's eligibility for post-employment health benefits under the health plan.

(13) “ Employer ” means the entity with which the fund beneficiary had the direct, in the case of employees, or indirect, in the case of dependents, employment relationship that gave rise to the fund beneficiary's eligibility for post-employment health benefits under the health plan.

(14) “ Fund ” means the Georgia School Personnel Post-employment Health Benefit Fund established under this subpart.

(14) “ Fund ” means the Georgia School Personnel Post-employment Health Benefit Fund established under this subpart.

(15) “ Fund beneficiaries ” means all persons receiving post-employment health care benefits through the health plans.

(15) “ Fund beneficiaries ” means all persons receiving post-employment health care benefits through the health plans.

(16) “ Health plans ” means the health insurance plan for public school teachers established under Subpart 2 of this part and the health insurance plan for public school employees established under Subpart 3 of this part.

(16) “ Health plans ” means the health insurance plan for public school teachers established under Subpart 2 of this part and the health insurance plan for public school employees established under Subpart 3 of this part.

(17) “ Normal cost ” means that portion of the actuarial present value of the fund obligations and expenses which is allocated to a valuation year by the actuarial cost method used for the fund.

(17) “ Normal cost ” means that portion of the actuarial present value of the fund obligations and expenses which is allocated to a valuation year by the actuarial cost method used for the fund.

(18) “ Obligations ” means the administrative expenses of the fund and the cost of covered health care expenses incurred on behalf of fund beneficiaries less any amounts received by or on behalf of fund beneficiaries.

(18) “ Obligations ” means the administrative expenses of the fund and the cost of covered health care expenses incurred on behalf of fund beneficiaries less any amounts received by or on behalf of fund beneficiaries.

(19) “ State plan for other post-employment benefits ” means the State of Georgia fiscal funding plan for retiree post-employment health care benefits as it relates to Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43 or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.

(19) “ State plan for other post-employment benefits ” means the State of Georgia fiscal funding plan for retiree post-employment health care benefits as it relates to Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 43 or any subsequent Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements that may be applicable to the fund.

(20) “ Unfunded actuarial accrued liability ” means for any actuarial valuation the excess of the actuarial accrued liability over the actuarial value of the assets of the fund under an actuarial cost method utilized by the fund for funding purposes.

(20) “ Unfunded actuarial accrued liability ” means for any actuarial valuation the excess of the actuarial accrued liability over the actuarial value of the assets of the fund under an actuarial cost method utilized by the fund for funding purposes.