Qualifying fine arts grades count toward scholarship averages

Georgia calculates scholarship grade averages using qualifying advanced fine arts grades. This applies to students otherwise qualified for HOPE or other scholarships referenced in the section, who first entered ninth grade in the 2008–2009 school year or later. The Department of Education must designate the course as advanced, and it must have a standardized end-of-course test written and graded by a third party. The rule applies to high school coursework for the covered students; graduates before July 1, 2026, are excluded.

Colleges keep opioid-reversal medicine available for possible overdose emergencies. This covers University System of Georgia institutions and Technical College System units. Students, visitors, and employees may possess the medicine on campus or at system-sponsored activities. Keeping a supply is subject to available local community funding. If the medicine is in short supply, the college must make a reasonable effort to maintain its supply. Colleges with automated external defibrillators must keep the medicine within three feet of them, or as close as space reasonably allows, when local funding is available. Staff may give the medicine at a campus or sponsored activity, while someone is under staff supervision, or before or after normal activities.

The state offers need-based DREAMS scholarships to eligible undergraduate students. Students seeking undergraduate degrees at University System of Georgia or Technical College System institutions may qualify if they have not earned a bachelor's or first professional degree. Students must complete the federal student aid form, have financial need, take at least six credit hours, and meet the listed enrollment and eligibility rules. Awards are limited to $3,000 per academic year or the student's unmet need, whichever is less, for up to eight semesters or 12 quarters. Recipients must complete a financial literacy course and do paid or unpaid work at least part-time. The awards are paid from a scholarship endowment; the text provides for state appropriations and private contributions to fund it. Students may receive awards for no more than eight semesters or 12 quarters.

The state offers medical school scholarships in return for in-state medical service. Applicants must seek a medical degree at a University System of Georgia medical school, attend full-time, make satisfactory academic progress, and meet the listed eligibility rules. Awards depend on state appropriations and are limited to the student's cost of attendance, for up to eight semesters. Recipients must agree to practice in Georgia for at least four years after graduation. If they fail to finish medical school, get a Georgia medical license, or meet the service terms, they must repay the awards, with credit for each year of Georgia practice. The four-year service period begins after graduation from an eligible medical school.

The text sets limits and tax rules for education savings and changes state reserve and retirement provisions. These provisions concern Georgia education savings accounts, certain tuition program contributors, lottery education funds, and the state defined contribution retirement plan. The savings account text bars additional contributions when all accounts for a beneficiary total $550,000 or more. The income tax deduction applies to contributions to qualifying tuition programs for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, with per-beneficiary caps that depend on filing status. The lottery reserve provisions direct a share of excess reserve funds to education, with other rules governing shortfalls and replenishment. The retirement definition excludes students working for an institution where they are enrolled. The tax deduction covers tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and ending on or before December 31, 2030. The lottery reserve provisions apply to fiscal years beginning in 2027.