Sen. Jason T. Dickerson Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Public Schools

ATLANTA (February 26, 2026) - Today, the Senate passed Senate Bill 513, sponsored by Sen. Jason T. Dickerson (R-Canton), to encourage consistent attendance in Georgia public schools. Also known as the Every Day Counts Act, this bill requires schools to use a multi-tier framework to improve student attendance, including attendance intervention plans monitored by attendance review teams for students who miss five of the first 50 days of school or 10% of the overall school year.

Additionally, SB 513 allows schools to suspend chronically absent students from extracurricular activities, and the Department of Driver Services (DDS) may restrict driver's license eligibility for students who do not comply with their attendance intervention plan.

"I am honored that my first bill to pass the Senate addresses such an important issue for our students and our state," said Sen. Dickerson. "One out of every five students statewide is chronically absent, which poses a serious challenge for teachers and the long-term success of our children. Showing up to school consistently is the first step toward achievement, and SB 513 strengthens accountability while ensuring families and schools have the resources they need to help students thrive. This legislation addresses the issue early, helping prevent students from falling behind and missing opportunities that will shape their future. I'm grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support as we work together to get students back on track."

SB 513 will now move over to the House for further consideration. For more information on this legislation, click here.

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Sen. Jason T. Dickerson represents the 21^st Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1378 or by email at [email protected].

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