Governor Signs Bill Bringing Common Sense to Zero Tolerance Policy

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has signed Senate Bill 299, sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones. SB 299 amends the state’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons in schools, giving principals and school systems more discretion in handling their school’s disciplinary cases.

“This is common sense legislation that gives local school systems discretion in disciplining students,” said Governor Perdue. “No child should be kicked out of school for accidentally bringing a fishing knife and upon discovering it, reporting it promptly to school officials.”

Sen. Jones drafted the legislation after hearing the story of Eli Mohone, who was arrested and kicked out of school after turning himself in for accidentally bringing a fishing knife to school.

Governor Perdue also announced today that he has signed additional House and Senate bills. The list of the legislation is below:

Bills Signed Monday, May 24, 2010

House Bills

HB 172

HB 249

HB 323

HB 486

HB 898

HB 916

HB 923

HB 969

HB 980

HB 1150

HB 1174

HB 1196

HB 1260

HR 1513

 

Senate Bills

SB 149

SB 162

SB 238

SB 305

SB 340

SB 341

SB 354

SB 364

SB 369

SB 387

SB 392

SB 427

SB 518

SR 1075

Bills Signed Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Photos of today’s bill signings taken with the bill sponsors can be obtained by contacting the Governor’s Press Office.

 

House Bills

HB 303

HB 361

HB 867

HB 883

HB 1059

HB 1072

HB 1310

 

Senate Bills

SB 299

 

 

 

 

###