The House Education Committee voted 9-6 Monday to approve a bill to make alternative education Georgia’s preferred school disciplinary policy rather than suspension or expulsion.

By stating "it is preferable," Senate Bill 152 preserves local control over disciplinary decisions, but the bill draws attention to schools that excessively suspend or expel students.

"This bill does not interfere in any way with the disciplinary process," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Emanuel Jones, D-Decatur.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 52-0 on March 1. Its next step will be to come before the House for a full vote.

RELATED: Track bills, lawmakers: Georgia Legislative Navigator

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A Georgia student warned friends about a shooting threat. He was expelled for it. (Abbey Edmonson/AJC)

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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