A bill that would expand the jurisdiction of superior courts to some offenses committed by children ages 13 to 17 heads to the House for consideration after gaining Senate approval on Crossover Day last week. SB 61 by Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, would repeal a provision that limits superior court jurisdiction over aggravated assault cases involving firearms against public safety officers, and includes terroristic threats or acts involving schools.
The bill, which passed by a 33-22 margin, also mandates that academic and disciplinary records of transferring students be provided to receiving schools, reducing the time frame for parents to receive these records. It establishes a misdemeanor offense for parents who fail to disclose required student information and outlines penalties for such violations.
SB 93 by Sen. RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, sailed through the Senate by a 50-3 vote and bans the practice of three-cueing, which the lawmaker described as “reading by guessing.”
The bill allows an exception for nonverbal students if visual cues are part of their individual education plan and if a parent consents to their inclusion. It also allows for pictures and visual information to be used to help build context, vocabulary, and comprehension.
“Three-Cuing sets our students up for failure by teaching them to guess, preventing them from learning how to read properly, and going against the science of reading,” said Kemp. “Requiring our educators to use evidence-based methods when teaching literacy will give them a stronger foundation for their academic careers.”
According to Kemp, this legislation asks the Professional Standards Commission to ensure evidence-based methods are used to prepare future educators. Teacher preparation programs will be required to follow the science of reading and employ methods proven to teach students effectively.
SB 17 by Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas, requires school systems to implement a mobile panic alert system that connects directly with emergency services. School systems must also procure detailed digital mapping of each public and private school in their district. The maps must be provided in paper and digital format. The bill moves to the House after a 55–0 vote in the Senate.
SB 212 by Sen. Shawn Still, R-Johns Creek, is headed to the House after a 33-19 vote in the Senate. This legislation prohibits the disclosure of public student directory information to political entities such as candidates, campaign committees, and political action committees. The bill creates a new felony offense punishable and restricts political candidates and committees from soliciting minors to organize campaign events on school property.
