Bill on mandatory disclosure of foreign funding for Georgia public schools and colleges passes Legislature

A new bill authored by State Rep. Houston Gaines, focused on boosting transparency for Georgia public educational institutions’ foreign funds, received approval from both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

The measure secured passage in both chambers as of Wednesday, March 18, earning a House vote of 139-16 and a Senate vote of 31-20.

The legislation, filed as HB1379 on Feb. 18, 2026, during the 158th General Assembly’s regular session, carries the official name: ‘Foreign Funding Transparency and Accountability Act; enact.’

Below is an overview based on the bill text with some clarifications to summarize its key aspects.

The Foreign Funding Transparency and Accountability Act requires Georgia’s public education entities, including universities, technical colleges, and public schools, to submit semiannual disclosures starting in 2027 for all funding from foreign sources. These required reports, delivered to the attorney general and the Department of Accounts and Audits, must present data on the amounts, nature, sources, and purposes of these funds, list all foreign donors, and attach related contracts. Enhanced details are needed concerning any funding linked to foreign governments, companies, or individuals the state designates as concerning, outlining any impact on curriculum, research, or employment and guaranteeing protections for academic freedom and cybersecurity. Most reporting will be made public online after sensitive portions are redacted. The law exempts tuition payments and associated fees made by individuals or families, takes effect July 1, 2026, and repeals prior code for foreign funding disclosure as of Jan. 1, 2027.

In the House, voting resulted in 42 Democrats and 97 Republicans supporting the bill, with 16 Democrats voting against.

Over in the Senate, the measure passed with support from one Democrat and 30 Republicans, while 20 Democrats opposed it.

Co-sponsors included Rep. John Carson (Republican-46th), Rep. Brent Cox (Republican-28th), Rep. Tim Fleming (Republican-114th), and two additional members.

Gaines is a University of Georgia graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

A Republican, Gaines began representing Georgia’s 120th House District in 2023, following Trey Rhodes.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 12.

In Georgia, the legislative process typically begins when a lawmaker collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft legislation, often initiated by constituents. The bill is then introduced with the chamber’s clerk or secretary, read for the first time, and assigned to committee for consideration. If it advances, it returns to the floor for further reading, debate, and a chamber vote. If the same version passes both chambers—or a unified version emerges from a conference committee—the bill is sent to the governor, who has six days while in session or 40 days post-adjournment (Sine Die) to act. The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually for 40 legislative days beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.