Georgia HB541: Education; tuition equalization grants; expand definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing

What the bill says

To amend Code Section 20-3-411 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions regarding tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities, so as to expand the definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing; to provide for related matters; to provide for legislative intent; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Code Section 20-3-411 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions regarding tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities, so as to expand the definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing; to provide for related matters; to provide for legislative intent; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. WHEREAS, the General Assembly is committed to addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in Georgia, which includes having a sufficient number of high-quality nurses; and WHEREAS, to increase the number of high-quality nurses in Georgia, crucial elements include providing financial assistance and removing impediments to practicing nursing. H. B. LC 61 0143 SECTION 2. Code Section 20-3-411 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions regarding tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities, is amended by revising paragraph (2) as follows: "(2) 'Approved school' means: (A) A nonproprietary institution of higher education located in this state which is not a branch of the university system; which is not a four-year or graduate level institution of higher education that is, or is a part of, a college or university system that is owned and operated by a state other than Georgia; which …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Ricky Williams (R, 25) · primary sponsor
• Katie Dempsey (R, 13) · primary sponsor
• Sharon Cooper (R, 45)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)
• Brian Prince (D, 132)
• Lee Hawkins (R, 27)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Effective Date
2. May 11, 2026: Act 470
3. May 11, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 6, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 20, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
6. March 20, 2026: Senate Third Read
7. March 19, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
8. March 18, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
9. February 19, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
10. February 18, 2026: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

Votes

• Senate Vote #770 (March 20, 2026): 45 yea, 1 nay, passed
• House Vote #529 (February 18, 2026): 167 yea, 1 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB541?

HB541 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Education; tuition equalization grants; expand definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing.

What does HB541 do?

In its own words: To amend Code Section 20-3-411 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions regarding tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities, so as to expand the definition of an approved school to include certain institutions which offer programs in nursing; to provide for related matters; to provide for legislative intent; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB541?

Signed into law as of May 11, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB541?

Ricky Williams (R, 25), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB541?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70578