Jon Burns, the House Speaker of Georgia, said that new school safety and fairness laws reflect the House’s commitment to student opportunity and security.
“Today’s final signature of the Riley Gaines Act and our comprehensive school safety plan affirmed the dedication of the Georgia House to ensuring every child has an opportunity to thrive in a safe and secure environment—both in the classroom and on the playing field,” said Burns.
In April 2025, Georgia passed Senate Bill 1, known as the “Riley Gaines Act,” which prohibits individuals assigned male at birth from participating in female-designated sports teams in K–12 public schools and colleges. According to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, the law also requires gender-based designations for locker rooms and athletic facilities. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones supported the bill, saying it ensures fairness in women’s athletics. The act is part of a broader set of laws introduced to address school safety and gender policy.
According to the Georgia Recorder, during the 2023–2024 school year, Georgia implemented statewide school safety measures requiring all public schools to install panic button systems for emergencies. The law was signed by Governor Brian Kemp and aims to improve emergency response times by providing school staff with direct access to local law enforcement. This legislation reflects Georgia’s broader efforts to enhance school safety infrastructure following a rise in safety threats.
As of 2025, 23 U.S. states have laws restricting transgender athletes from participating in sports that match their gender identity. According to ESPN, these laws are intended to protect fairness in women’s sports but have sparked national debate about discrimination and equity. While proponents argue that the laws preserve competitive balance, critics claim there is little evidence supporting the notion of athletic advantage and warn of social harm to transgender students.
Burns has served as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives since January 2023 and has represented the 159th district since 2005. According to the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, he is a former attorney with degrees from Georgia Southern College and John Marshall Law School. He has prioritized legislation on education reform, economic growth, and public safety, playing a central role in shaping Georgia’s legislative agenda.
