The Georgia House of Representatives overwhelmingly passes a school safety bill, aiming to prevent future tragedies like the recent shooting at Apalachee High School that claimed four lives. The bill includes provisions for a statewide database of disciplinary and mental health information, which aims to identify students at risk of violence, although it raises concerns about privacy and potential discrimination among lawmakers.
Supporters of the bill, including House Speaker Jon Burns, advocate for a culture change in schools that prioritizes mental health support. As the legislation moves to the Senate for further consideration, it faces scrutiny regarding its ambitious proposals, including the establishment of behavioral threat management teams and mandatory reporting of threats by school officials, which opponents argue may lead to overreach and infringement on student privacy.
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