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Committee hears substitute to require weapons-detection systems in all public schools; funding questions remain
Summary
A substitute to HB 1023 would require weapons-detection systems in Georgia public schools with an effective date of 07/01/2027 and allow state grants to help pay for systems. Committee members asked about costs and whether a suggested $50,000 per-school grant would be sufficient; the sponsor said some systems could be covered by that amount but a fiscal estimate was not provided in the hearing.
The Rules Committee reviewed a substitute for HB 1023 that would require weapons-detection systems in all Georgia public schools, take effect on 07/01/2027, and allow local districts to choose the systems they prefer.
Sponsor told the committee the substitute allows for state grants to help fund procurement. A committee member asked whether a $50,000 grant per school would be sufficient; the sponsor said "there are available weapons detection systems that can be paid for with that under that grant," but also acknowledged there is no fiscal estimate provided in the hearing record. A member asked, "Is there a fiscal note or an estimate of how much this would cost?" and the sponsor replied no.
Supporters in the room said technology and software improvements have improved detection capabilities where systems have been rolled out. The substitute includes local discretion over which systems to purchase and a phased effective date to allow planning and grant allocation.
Next steps: The committee discussed funding sufficiency and state grant availability but did not record a committee-level appropriation or final vote in the transcript.
