ATLANTA (March 13, 2014) | Sen. Emanuel Jones (D- Decatur), Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council, led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 141 through the State Senate. SB 141 provides that a violation of the Georgia criminal statute relating to carrying weapons within school safety zones by a juvenile will only be considered a Class B designated felony if the act involves a firearm or any weapon together with an assault.
“Too often, children are charged with felonies for non-violent offences by the juvenile justice system,” said Sen. Jones. “A conviction at this vulnerable age has life altering effects that lead to numerous challenges later in life. This legislation provides a second chance for students who committed minor offenses while also ensuring our schools remain safe for all those who learn, teach, and work in them.”
If signed into law, the bill also makes conforming changes to provisions of the education code (Title 20) relating to reporting of student violations of this statute by teachers, school employees, and administrators on school property and at school functions. SB 141 would take effect on July 1, 2015 and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
SB 141 will now head to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.
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For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Adam Sweat, Sr. Communications Specialist
Adam.sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028