Last week, Sen. Jason T. Dickerson (R–Canton) introduced Senate Bill 513, known as the Every Day Counts Act, in an effort to address chronic absenteeism among students in Georgia public schools. The proposed legislation defines a chronically unexcused student as one who has more than five unexcused absences within the first 50 school days or whose unexcused absences reach 10% of the school days so far.
The bill would require schools to implement a multi-tiered intervention system. Students with the highest number of unexcused absences would receive formal attendance intervention plans aimed at improving their academic engagement. Additionally, SB 513 proposes that eligibility for extracurricular and interscholastic activities be more closely linked to regular attendance. The Department of Driver Services would also have the authority to restrict instruction permits or driver’s licenses based on a student’s compliance with these intervention plans.
“Consistent school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success and is essential to preparing students for the responsibilities of adulthood,” said Sen. Dickerson. “We owe it to the next generation to set them on the path toward a bright future, and encouraging our students to show up each day is the first step. SB 513 equips schools and parents with structured tools to address unexcused absences early while reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility. By promoting accountability alongside support, we can help ensure our students develop the habits they need to thrive in school and beyond.”
SB 513 builds on efforts from both the Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools and Senate Bill 123, which was signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp in 2025 as part of a comprehensive revision of Georgia’s compulsory attendance laws. The new bill recently passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth and now awaits consideration by the Senate Committee on Rules.
State Senator John F. Kennedy represented Georgia’s 18th District and held leadership roles including President Pro Tempore and chair of the Administrative Affairs Committee during his tenure in the state senate, according to information from his official website. Kennedy focused on legislative sponsorship and committee work, serving as an ex-officio member on committees such as Ethics, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Rules.
Senator Dickerson represents Georgia’s 21st Senate District covering parts of Cherokee and Fulton counties.
For further information about SB 513 or media inquiries regarding this legislation, contact details for Sen. Dickerson are available through official channels.