Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a “comprehensive” school safety plan into law.
House Bill 268, a state House priority during the 2025 legislative session, requires schools to implement mobile panic alert systems, requires student records to be transferred within five school business days, provides for a Student Advocacy Specialist grant program to strengthen student mental health resources, requires districts to offer an anonymous reporting platform and increases penalties for threats against Georgia’s schools.
“This bill is a direct response to the tragedy that our district experienced in the wake of the shooting at Apalachee High, and I was honored to also be joined by several members of our community as this monumental legislation became law upon the governor’s signature,” state Representative Holt Persinger, R-Winder, said in a release. “As a state legislator, I can think of no greater responsibility than ensuring that our students can thrive and that classrooms are safe and secure, and that’s what this legislation will accomplish.”
It was part of a series of bills the governor signed this week, including Senate Bill 82. It incentivizes local boards of education to approve charter school petitions while preventing school systems from unfairly attempting to shutter these options.
The governor also signed Senate Bill 1, the Riley Gaines Act of 2025, which bars males and females from competing on teams designated for the opposite gender. The measure requires multiple occupancy restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters to be designated exclusively by one gender.
“As the father of two school aged children, there is nothing more important than their safety and the protection of their rights,” Lt. Governor Jones said in a statement.
“A secure and safe school environment fosters improved student academic performance, along with their overall wellbeing,” Jones added. “Additionally, Senate Bill 1 becoming law ensures the protection of women’s sports, and I am proud that the Senate led the way for this bill to become law.”
