A Georgia Senate resolution sponsored by District 54 Sen. Chuck Payne, of Dalton, advanced to the Senate Rules Committee earlier this month.
Introduced on March 13, Senate Resolution 787 seeks the creation of a “Senate University Admissions Study Committee,” which would be comprised of five Senate members and four non-legislative committee members — including the chancellor of the University of Georgia or a designee.
“Every member institution of the University System of Georgia inquires about criminal history, but research shows such inquiries can be a major deterrent to applications and admissions,” the resolution text reads. “It is important to review how other states have reformed university admissions to streamline the process, reduce the burden on applicants and admissions offices, and increase enrollment rates across the state of Georgia.”
According to the authors of SR 787, roughly 40% of Georgians have criminal histories “which limit the opportunities available to them.”
The committee would also include “members of the general public,” who have expertise in university admissions policies and “reentry relating to those impacted by the criminal legal system” — including “one member of the general public who has experienced the issues mentioned above.”
The committee would be abolished on Dec. 1, 2024.
“It is in the state’s best interest to reduce barriers for those seeking postsecondary educational opportunities, as it benefits the economy, workforce and public safety,” the resolution text reads. “The General Assembly needs to review the admissions processes of the institutions of the University System of Georgia, how such admissions processes impact applicants and potential applicants, and make recommendations regarding potential changes to the admissions processes.”
Also sponsoring the resolution are District 31 Sen. Jason Anavitarte, District 23 Sen. Max Burns, District 45 Sen. Clint Dixon, District 4 Sen. Billy Hickman and District 48 Sen. Shawn Still.
All six sponsors of SR 787 are Republicans.