Bill Encouraging Digital Textbooks Passes Georgia Senate

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Sen. Albers (R-Roswell) on Tuesday led the passage of Senate Bill 89, known as the “Digital Classroom Act,” by a vote of 45 to 8.

This legislation “sets the foundation” and encourages all instructional material purchased by a local board of education to be in a digital or electronic format by July 1, 2020, the Georgia Senate Press Office said Tuesday afternoon.

“Technology is the great equalizer among all children regardless of living in a rural, urban or suburban area or their socio-economic situation,” Albers said. “This legislation will allow Georgia to take a step forward and become a national leader in K-12 education by providing students and teachers with the educational tools and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.”

SB 89 also encourages local school boards to provide students with their own laptop, tablet or other wireless device or allow them to bring their own to the classroom. Provisions are included in the legislation for the funding to assist local boards in attaining complete digital access to go through appropriations, with the State Board of Education annually presenting their recommendations to the General Assembly for consideration.

Senate Bill 89 now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.

Photo credit: state of Georgia