HB1023: HB1023 Education; utilize weapon detection systems in certain school buildings; require local boards of education and other public school governing bodies

26 LC 63 0168S The Senate Committee on Public Safety offered the following substitute to HB 1023: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Article 27 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Co de of Georgia Annotated,1 relating to loitering at or disrupting schools, so as to require local boards of education and2 other public school governing bodies to establish and provide for security measures to detect3 weapons and to aid in the prevention of individuals attempting to unlawfully possess or carry4 weapons in certain school buildings; to provide for exceptions; to authorize the use of5 funding; to provide for definitions; to provide for an effectiv e date; to provide for related6 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8 SECTION 1.9 Article 27 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Geo rgia Annotated, relating to10 loitering at or disrupting schools, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as11 follows:12 "20-2-1187.13 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'weapon' shall have the same meaning as set14 forth in Code Section 16-11-127.1.15 - 1 - 26 LC 63 0168S (b)(1) Each local board of education and other public school g overning body shall16 implement a weapon detection system and shall adopt policies, r ules, regulations, and17 procedures as necessary to establish and provide for security measures to:18 (A) Detect, through electronic, analytical, visual, olfactory, or other means, the19 presence of weapons; and20 (B) Aid in the prevention of any individual attempting to unlawfully possess or carry21 a weapon in any permanent building that is owned by or leased t o a local board of22 education or other public school governing body where students are present in23 accordance with routine school operations and procedures.24 (2) Such system, policies, rules, regulations, and procedures shall, at a minimum, require25 that such security measures are utilized at all main points of entry to such permanent26 buildings, as provided in school safety plans required under Co de Section 20-2-1185;27 provided, however, that such security measures shall not be req uired for any point of28 entry to or exit from such permanent buildings that routinely remains locked, is equipped29 with an alarm that sounds when the point of entry or exit is accessed, and is not intended30 for student use or is intended for student use only on an emergency basis.31 (c) Each local board of education and other public school gove rning body shall be32 authorized to use available grants and other funding to meet the requirements of this Code33 section."34 SECTION 2.35 This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2028.36 SECTION 3.37 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.38 - 2 -