Besides the big, beautiful bill, the House also passed House Resolution (HR) 1223, also known as the Anchor Act. More bills were signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, focusing on different aspects of state education.
First, the ANCHOR Act, HR 1223, is also known as the Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research Act. The bill focuses on a mix of funding and research.
HR 1223 requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a plan to improve the cybersecurity and telecommunications capabilities of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF).
The ARF is a group of U.S.-flagged vessels providing at-sea laboratories. These laboratories are for oceanographic scientists, educators, and students researching marine science.
The bill requires the NSF’s plan to include assessments of different factors. These include the telecommunications and networking needs of ARF and the cybersecurity needs appropriate for the operation of ARF vessels.
Next, the new set of bills signed by Gov. Kemp addresses a multitude of issues affecting Georgia. The first one to note is House Bill (HB)150.
HB 150 is also known as the Combating Threats from China Act. The bill sounds like a national security initiative, but it functions as a check on institutions of higher education (IHE).
The bill requires IHEs to report quarterly on funding or rewards received from Chinese individuals or entities. The bill comes as a reaction to controversial developments among IHEs nationwide.
The second bill of note is HB 175. This bill relates to early child care and early education.
HB 175 revises provisions regarding employee comprehensive background checks for early care programs, education programs, and Head Start programs. The bill goes so far as to require the revocation and nonissuance of certain licenses as well.
The final bill of note is HB 172. This bill relates to the state veterinary education program. HB 172 puts limits on the student loan forgiveness program for this field.
