Brad Bohannon Deputy Chief of Staff | Governor Brian Kemp Office of the Governor
Governor Brian P. Kemp has signed several bills into law aimed at enhancing education and school safety across Georgia. The signing ceremony took place in Atlanta with the presence of First Lady Marty Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns, members of the General Assembly, educators, and students.
Governor Kemp stated, "As the parents of three daughters, Marty and I know just how important it is to keep our children safe and to give them the best possible start in life." He emphasized the necessity of safeguarding classrooms from violence and political agendas, asserting that the new measures would promote fairness and safety for children in schools. Kemp expressed gratitude to the General Assembly for prioritizing student welfare over politics.
Lt. Governor Burt Jones acknowledged the effort of all involved, saying, "As the father of two school-aged children, there is nothing more important than their safety and the protection of their rights." Jones highlighted the significance of Senate Bill 1, which he says secures women's sports and underscores the commitment to prioritize the welfare of children, teachers, and school personnel.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns praised the bills as a commitment to the safety and success of Georgia's children. He highlighted the importance of measures such as HB 268, which focuses on securing classrooms, enhancing school safety, and expanding access to mental healthcare for students. “The House also took a stand to restore common sense and fairness for female athletes by championing the Riley Gaines Act," he noted.
The seven newly signed bills include:
- SB 1: Sponsored by Senator Greg Dolezal and carried by Representative Josh Bonner, this bill prohibits gender mix in sports teams and designates gender-specific facilities.
- HB 81: Sponsored by Representative Bethany Ballard and carried by Senator Larry Walker, it creates an interstate compact for school psychologists.
- HB 307: Also introduced by Ballard, this bill consolidates dyslexia screening requirements under the Georgia Early Literacy Act.
- HB 235: Sponsored by Representative Rick Townsend and carried by Mike Hodges, it allows public and postsecondary school employees to take leave for organ donation.
- SB 82: Sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon, this bill encourages local education boards to support charter school petitions and stops unfair shuttering attempts.
- SB 123: Introduced by President Pro Tem John Kennedy, it mandates school systems with high absenteeism to establish attendance review teams.
- HB 268: Sponsored by Representative Holt Persinger, this bill requires schools to have updated mapping, alert systems, and prompt student record transfers, along with additional safety measures.
These legislative efforts are complemented by prior school safety grants, annual funding measures, and mandatory safety audits. Governor Kemp expressed appreciation for the concerted efforts that facilitated the enactment of these laws.
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