The Georgia legislature passed House Bill 268, a major school safety bill aimed at preventing school violence and expanding mental health support for students. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support — 45-9 in the Senate and 154-12 in the House.
Prompted by a 2023 mass shooting at Apalachee High School, HB 268 requires schools to:
- Track students with troubling behavior, such as disciplinary issues or police encounters
- Share student behavior records within five business days when students transfer
- Maintain a 24/7 anonymous tip line
- Provide annual training on mental health warning signs
- Receive up to three state-funded student advocates per district (based on population)
Some original provisions were removed due to privacy concerns, including:
- A statewide threat assessment database
- A mandate for schools to create threat assessment teams
A new controversial Senate provision allows teens (ages 13–17) to be tried as adults for:
- Terroristic acts on campus involving weapons, fire, or hazardous materials
- Aggravated assault with a firearm, on or off campus
Supporters say the bill balances safety and mental health, while critics worry about criminalizing youth, especially those in vulnerable communities. The bill now heads to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.
Read more at: https://tiftongazette.com/2025/04/01/georgia-legislature-passes-comprehensive-school-safety-bill/