The Georgia Senate on Thursday evening passed a couple education bills that now go to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.

House Bill 614 says video cameras can monitor special education classrooms, which is neither forbidden or expressly allowed under current law. House Bill 895 mandates financial training for charter school board members and a financial management certification program for school leaders and personnel in charge of money. It also prohibits principals from simultaneously taking on the role of finance chief.

During prior hearings about the charter school legislation, there was mention of an Atlanta charter school at risk of closure because of the alleged theft of more than $600,000. The legislation was said to address such problems.

The Senate votes came on the last day of the 2016 session. Senators were still meeting afterward, with more education bills expected.

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Kiley King, an 11th grader who attended Parklane Elementary School in East Point reacts to the Fulton County Board of Education’s vote to close the elementary school on Thursday, Feb 20, 2025. Parents, teachers, students and community members filled the public comment time asking to keep Parklane and Spalding Drive elementary schools open. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

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