HB 1023: Education; utilize weapon detection systems in certain school buildings; require local boards of education and other public school governing bodies

Currently Georgia law does not require public schools to use weapon detection systems. This bill adds a new section to Georgia's school loitering and disruption law (O.C.G.A. Article 27, Chapter 2, Title 20) requiring every local board of education and other public school governing body to put in place a weapon detection system and related policies. The system must use electronic, analytical, visual, smell-based, or other means to detect weapons and help stop anyone from unlawfully carrying a weapon into a school building where students are routinely present. At minimum, these measures must cover all main entry points identified in each school's required safety plan, though doors that stay locked, have alarms, and are not for regular student use are exempt. Schools can use grants or other funding to pay for compliance. The law would take effect January 1, 2028.

• Requires local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to implement a weapon detection system in school buildings where students are routinely present.
• Directs schools to adopt policies and procedures to detect weapons using electronic, analytical, visual, smell-based, or other methods.
• Mandates that detection measures be used at all main entry points listed in each school's safety plan (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1185).
• Exempts entry or exit points that stay locked, have an alarm, and are not used regularly by students, from the detection requirement.
• Allows schools to use existing grants and other funding sources to pay for the required weapon detection measures.
• Sets the law's effective date as January 1, 2028.

Local boards of education and other public school governing bodies across Georgia, which must install and maintain the systems; students, teachers, and staff who attend or work in affected school buildings; and anyone entering a school through its main entrances.

Georgia public schools would be legally required to screen for weapons at main entrances starting in 2028, changing daily arrival routines for students and staff. Schools would need funding, likely from grants, to buy and maintain detection equipment and to update security procedures accordingly.

• Section 1 adds new Code Section 20-2-1187, defining 'weapon' by reference to O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1.
• Section 1 requires local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to implement a weapon detection system and adopt supporting policies and procedures.
• Section 1 requires the system to cover all main points of entry identified in a school's safety plan under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1185, with an exception for locked, alarmed, non-student-use doors.
• Section 1 authorizes use of grants and other funding to meet the requirements.
• Section 2 sets the effective date as January 1, 2028.
• Section 3 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2026-03-31Senate Tabled (Senate)
2. 2026-03-25Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
3. 2026-03-25Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
4. 2026-02-25Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
5. 2026-02-24House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (House)
6. 2026-02-24House Third Readers (House)
7. 2026-02-06House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
8. 2026-01-29House Second Readers (House)

• Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)Primary sponsor
• Jon Burns (R, HD-159)
• Chris Erwin (R, HD-032)
• James Hatchett (R, HD-155)
• Holt Persinger (R, HD-119)
• Sandy Donatucci (R, HD-105)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)

1. PassedHouse voteFebruary 24, 2026

   151 yea, 11 nay (5 not voting, 10 absent)

   Passage: House Vote #546

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 31, 2026

   39 yea, 10 nay (2 not voting, 3 absent)

   Motion To Table Remaining Legislation On The Rules Calendar: Senate Vote #912

• school safety
• weapon detection
• gun policy
• public schools
• school security funding