ATLANTA (WJBF) – With the start of a new school year, several new education laws have been implemented in Georgia, many of which concentrate on enhancing school safety and fostering a better learning environment for students.

House Bill 874 has come into effect, mandating that all K-12 public schools must be equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and must have an emergency action plan prepared.

It also requires CPR training for school staff and emergency drills for fast response.

Another new law mandates public schools to transfer student records to a new school system within five business days.

Senate Bill 123, now enacted, tackles the issue of chronic absenteeism in schools by prohibiting schools from expelling students solely due to absences and requires schools to develop an attendance review plan.

House Bill 268, or the School Safety Act will require schools to have mobile panic alert systems, digital mapping of school grounds, and increased mental health support for students and a behavioral threat management team if students make a threat.

“In order for a student to learn they need to feel safe — mentally, physically and emotionally. And as educators we strive to provide that safety but when we feel that around them in their communities, it is concerning,” said Georgia Association of Educators President Lisa Morgan.

The Distraction Free Education Act requires elementary and middle schools to have a cell phone free zone for K-8 students starting next July, but will require school districts to come up with a plan by January 2026.

Earlier this year, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed seven bills into law focusing on students and teachers including one that ensures fairness in school sports, safety measures in schools and improving the quality of education in Georgia.