Hello! I’m Senator Billy Hickman, representing all of you in the 4th Senate District.
Crossover Day has come and gone, which means the Senate is now reviewing legislation passed by the House of Representatives. I’m excited to share some important updates on key bills I’ve been working on.
Two of my bills, Senate Bill 55 and Senate Bill 149, have successfully passed the Senate.
Senate Bill 55, the “Dignity and Pay Act,” addresses the unfair practice of paying disabled employees below minimum wage. This outdated policy devalues the hard work of Georgians with disabilities. I’m proud to say that SB 55 passed with strong bipartisan support. Every Georgian deserves fair pay, and I’m grateful my fellow senators agree.
Senate Bill 149 strengthens our state-funded tuition equalization grants, which help students stay in Georgia for higher education. This bill updates the definition of "approved schools" to include newly accredited four-year colleges that meet rigorous academic standards. Expanding access to these grants encourages more students to attend Georgia institutions and contribute to our growing workforce.
I also supported Senate Bill 93, sponsored by one of our newest senators, Sen. Rashaun Kemp. This bill bans the flawed three-cueing system, which encourages students to guess words rather than learn to read correctly. Improving our literacy rates in Georgia is a personal priority of mine, and I’m honored to work with Sen. Kemp to make our state a leader in education.
Additionally, I supported Senate Bill 126, introduced by Sen. Clint Dixon. This legislation lowers the eligibility age for students to enroll in a completion special school from 18 to 16. By offering students a flexible path to earning their diplomas, we can help more young people stay engaged in their education and prepare for successful careers.
These bills now move to the House for consideration, and I’m hopeful they’ll receive the same strong support there.
As always, serving you and being your voice at the Capitol is an honor. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. Thank you for being so supportive, and as always, God bless you and the great state of Georgia!
