Peach Tree Times

Speaker Jon Burns has introduced a comprehensive school safety plan in Atlanta, joined by several key figures including Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, Representative Holt Persinger, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, and Barrow County School System Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff. The plan was unveiled with the support of the family of Coach Richard Aspinwall.

The proposal includes mandatory statewide participation in a new student information sharing and safety database. It also requires schools to implement threat assessment teams and use an anonymous reporting app that meets specific standards. The plan addresses physical security infrastructure needs, increases penalties for individuals making terroristic threats, and incentivizes responsible firearm ownership practices.

"Last year, our state witnessed an unimaginable tragedy at Apalachee High School when four Georgians were lost at the hands of an individual whose intent was to carry out a despicable act of evil," said Speaker Jon Burns. "The Georgia House is committed to taking strong action to ensure no parent, student or teacher ever has to fear for their safety when they drop their children off at school, go to class or go to work."

Key components of the plan include:

- **School and Student Safety Database (S3):** Schools must participate in this statewide database operated by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. It will collect data to evaluate students who may pose threats while maintaining privacy standards.

- **Threat Assessment Teams:** Local school systems are required to have threat management teams comprising school administration, mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel.

- **Anonymous Reporting App:** Schools must use an app for anonymous reporting where tips can be evaluated quickly and provided to law enforcement as needed.

- **School Safety Funding:** An additional $50 million is allocated for one-time school safety grants for public schools across the state.

- **Student Mental Health Resources:** Positions for qualified mental health coordinators will be created to identify students at risk of mental health concerns. Students will receive instruction in violence prevention and suicide awareness.

- **Increased Penalties for Terroristic Threats:** Mandatory suspension is implemented for students making threats until cleared by law enforcement and school personnel.

- **Safe Storage Incentives:** Voluntary tax incentives are offered for purchasing safe storage equipment like firearm safes and trigger locks, promoting responsible firearm ownership while protecting Second Amendment rights.

Speaker Burns emphasized that this plan prioritizes Georgia's students by providing essential resources and reforms needed for a secure learning environment.