Today is “Crossover Day”, the last day for bills to pass either the Georgia House or Senate to be considered by the other chamber. In recent days,  Georgia legislators rushed to pass several education bills covering various topics, including school security and a cell phone ban for students. These bills must also be approved by the other chamber before the April 4 deadline.

The House approved a significant school safety bill, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe learning environment. This measure includes increasing security and sharing student records during transfers to bridge communication gaps. Concerns were raised about the privacy implications of a new database for students deemed threats, with opponents arguing it could label students unfairly.

A bill was passed that mandates local districts to ban cell phones in schools up to eighth grade, aimed at reducing distractions and cyberbullying. Some educators expressed worries about students needing phones for learning, while sponsors insisted that emergency situations warrant phone restrictions.

The newly appointed Education Secretary Linda McMahon plans to terminate her department, leading Georgia senators to adjust state codes for potential changes in federal education oversight. This has met mixed reactions, with some Democrats criticizing the move.

Lastly, two bills concerning school-zone speed cameras were forwarded to the Senate; one seeks stricter controls, while the other aims to ban the cameras entirely, reflecting differing views on their effectiveness and fairness.