Georgia Senate approves bill mandating school safety drills
In an attempt to better prepare students for potential safety threats, the Georgia Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would require public and private schools to conduct regular drills.
State Sen. Horacena Tate, D-Atlanta, sponsored the bill at the urging of South Cobb High School sophomore Niles Francis, 16.
Tate said there are “too many” instances where students in schools have to face dangerous situations involving active shooters on the grounds, including a South Florida high school two weeks ago.
A 19-year-old man is charged in a mass shooting that killed 17 people on Valentine’s Day at a high school in Parkland, Fla., spurring lawmakers to find ways to make schools safer.
The legislation appears to be fast-tracked. The measure cleared the Senate in eight days, with only two senators voting against it on the floor — state Sens. Frank Ginn, R-Danielsville, and Bill Heath, R-Bremen.
Public schools already are required to create safety plans. Some schools and districts hold drills to prepare students and staff for an emergency situation, but Tate's proposal, Senate Bill 457, would make it a requirement for all of the state's schools.
The legislation now moves to the House for its consideration.
About the Author
Maya T. Prabhu covers the Georgia Senate and statewide issues as a government reporter for The AJC. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in northern Virginia, Maya attended Spelman College and then the University of Maryland for a master's degree. She writes about social issues, the criminal justice system and legislative politics.
