Georgia Governor Kemp Signs Laws for School Panic Buttons and Ban on Trans Girls in Sports

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recently signed several important education laws, including one to enhance safety in schools and another that bans transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports teams.

Kemp emphasized the importance of safety for children, stating, “As the parents of three daughters, my wife and I understand how crucial it is to keep our children safe.” He signed these bills to protect classrooms from violence and political influences.

One of the key laws, House Bill 268, requires schools to have panic button systems so that staff can quickly alert authorities during emergencies. This bill was created in response to a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School last year, where two teachers and two students lost their lives. Following the shooting, it was noted that a panic button system had just been implemented, helping law enforcement respond rapidly.

The law also mandates that schools promptly share information about students transferring within five days. This is critical as information about a transfer student who had previously made threats went unshared, highlighting the need for better communication.

Another controversial part of the original bill was removed before it was passed: a proposal to create a database of students considered a safety risk. Critics argued this could jeopardize the futures of students who made harmless mistakes.

Here is a summary of the education bills signed by Governor Kemp:

1. Senate Bill 1: Bans transgender athletes from playing on teams for the opposite gender and requires single-gender restrooms and locker rooms at sporting events.

2. House Bill 81: Facilitates the hiring of school psychologists from other states.

3. House Bill 307: Improves early screening for dyslexia.

4. House Bill 235: Allows educational workers to take leave to donate organs or bone marrow.

5. Senate Bill 82: Encourages local school boards to approve charter schools.

6. Senate Bill 123: Creates review teams for districts with high chronic absenteeism.

7. House Bill 268: Establishes panic button systems in schools, mandates fast transfer of student records, and introduces new safety roles and policies.

The safety bill was named “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” in memory of teacher Richard Aspinwall, who died in the Apalachee shooting, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Parkland shooting. Family members present at the signing expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the importance of the law while mourning the loss of their loved ones.

The law against transgender athletes, known as the Riley Gaines Act, has sparked significant debate. Supporters argue it ensures fair competition for girls, while opponents claim it targets vulnerable transgender individuals for political gain. Critics also noted that existing sports associations already restrict transgender participation, suggesting lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues facing girls in sports.

Overall, these new laws reflect ongoing debates around safety, fairness, and the rights of students in Georgia's schools.