ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two major education bills that could reshape daily life in Georgia’s public schools cleared the Georgia House on Monday, setting up a new debate in the state Senate.

One measure would ban cellphone use in high schools statewide. The other would require weapons detection systems at entrances to public schools.

The proposals sparked an emotional and, at times, personal debate under the Gold Dome, with some lawmakers breaking from their parties.

Outside the Capitol, school buses lined the streets as lawmakers argued inside about policies that would affect thousands of public schools across Georgia.

House Bill 1023 would require public schools to install weapons detection systems, similar to those already in use at some campuses, including Midtown High School in Atlanta, where students pass through metal detectors each morning.

“It makes me emotional as a mother to drop my kids off at school,” said state Rep. Imani Barnes, D-Tucker. “I want to be worried about his academics and not if he could get in a fight, and a kid pulls out a weapon.”

Republican leaders argued that weapons detection systems are common in airports, government buildings, and large event venues, and said schools should be no different. The bill gives districts one year to implement the systems.

Critics, however, said the measure does not guarantee funding for staffing and could divert money from existing school safety grants that districts have used to hire school resource officers.

“Our children should not pay the price for our inability to act like leaders,” said Rep. Bryce Berry, D-Atlanta. “I refuse to vote for another half measure.”

Lawmakers also approved a separate bill extending a ban on cellphone use to high school students. Supporters pointed to a recent Georgia Southern University survey that found more than 90% of educators support bans, saying they reduce distractions and bullying.

The vote on the cellphone measure cut across party lines.

“This would expand government control and I’m not for that,” said Rep. Jason Ridley, R-Chatsworth. “Let’s let this play out.”

Some Democrats acknowledged the proposal may be unpopular but necessary.

“Sometimes it’s like castor oil — it hurts going down, but it’s good for you,” said Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway.

Both proposals come with significant price tags. Some schools use specialized pouches to lock up cellphones during the day, and weapons detection systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Republican leadership said existing school safety grants — about $50,000 per school — should help cover the expense. But several school systems say they are already financially strained and warn that, without dedicated funding, the mandates could force difficult budget decisions.

The bills now head to the Georgia Senate for consideration.

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