reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-984.2 - Professional Standards Commission - Reports of criminal offenses to local boards of education; requests by local boards for investigation; immunity

(a)
Superintendents, associate or assistant superintendents, or directors of personnel shall make an immediate written report to the local board of education upon receiving a written report from any identified school system personnel or parent or custodian of a child enrolled in the school system that any school system educator employed by the local unit of administration has committed any of the following specifically identified crimes:
(1)
Murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, or kidnapping, as defined in Chapter 5 of Title 16;
(2)
Any sexual offense, as provided for in Code Sections
16-6-1
through
16-6-17
or Code Sections
16-6-20
through
16-6-22.2
;
(3)
Any sexual exploitation of a minor as provided for in Code Section
16-12-100
;
(4)
Any offense involving marijuana or a controlled substance, as provided for in Chapter 13 of Title 16;
(5)
Any offense involving theft, as provided for in Articles 1 and 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 16; or
(6)
Unlawfully operating a motor vehicle after being declared a habitual violator for violating Code Section
40-5-54
,
40-6-391
,
40-6-392
, or
40-6-394
or any combination of such Code sections.
(b)
If the local board of education determines that the matters reported under subsection (a) of this Code section warrant investigation, then the local board of education shall, within a reasonable period of time but not later than 30 days from receipt of the report, transmit such report to the commission with a request for investigation. The reporting administrator and the local board of education shall have a good faith, reasonable basis to believe that the incident occurred or evidence exists and shall, in the written report, set forth such basis and detail the nature of the incident, evidence, and names of any and all known witnesses; and in so reporting the administrator and the local board shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
(c)
The willful failure of any such local school system administrator to comply with subsection (a) of this Code section shall be grounds for the commission's recommending to the local board of education or the State Board of Education, or both, imposition on the administrator of any of the disciplinary actions set forth in Code Section
20-2-984.5
.
(d)
The reporting requirements set forth in this Code section are in addition to and not a substitute for any and all other reporting requirements related to child abuse which exist under Georgia law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-985 - Professional Standards Commission - Selection of chairman; calling of meetings; quorum; minutes; annual report

(a)
The Governor shall annually select a chairman from the membership of the commission. Meetings shall be held at the call of the chairman or upon the request in writing of a majority of the commission. A majority of such quorum shall have authority to act upon any matter properly brought before the commission.
(b)
The commission shall keep minutes of its meetings and make an annual written report available for inspection.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-986 - Professional Standards Commission - Reimbursement; retention of income and benefit rights by members employed by state agency or political subdivision; reimbursement for employee's performance of duties as commission member

Members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but shall, upon approval by the chairman, be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official commission business as provided by Code Section
45-7-20
. No member of the commission, with the exception of members of the executive committee of the commission, shall be reimbursed from any public funds for such expenses for more than 30 days during each calendar year, except that there shall be no limitation on the number of meeting days for one year after July 1, 1991. A member of the commission who is an employee of an agency of the state, or any of its political subdivisions, including school systems, shall be permitted to attend commission meetings and perform other commission duties without loss of income or other benefits. An agency of Georgia, or any of its political subdivisions, including school systems, which employs a member of the commission and employs a person to replace such member during the member's performance of commission duties or incurs other additional expenses as a result of such performance shall be reimbursed for the actual amount of any costs so incurred.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 458, § 7, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-988 - Duties and authority of commission

(a)
The Professional Standards Commission shall evaluate transcripts and issue certificates for all educational personnel seeking certification.
(b)
The commission shall follow policies consistent with general education objectives established under Georgia statutes.
(c)
The commission shall have the authority to hear the public, the teaching profession, and professional groups and associations on any matter of concern under the jurisdiction of the commission.
(d)
The commission has the authority to appoint panels of educators, including public school classroom teachers, to serve as members of teams visiting institutions and school systems having teacher education programs for purposes associated with the process of approving said programs. The commission shall also have the authority to review any report of such teams and to determine whether or not programs proposed for its approval meet its adopted criteria.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-989 - Appropriation of operating funds

The funds necessary for the operation of the commission shall come from funds specifically appropriated or otherwise made available to the Professional Standards Commission.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 10 - PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (§§ 20-2-981 — 20-2-989.1) › Section 20-2-989.1 - Classifications for certificated personnel; functions of state board transferred to commission

(a)
The classifications established by the State Board of Education pursuant to Code Section
20-2-200
shall remain in effect until such time as the commission creates classifications for certificated personnel under the terms of this part. Such new classifications will clearly describe the relationship between pre-existing classifications established by the board and the new classifications established by the commission. Until such time as the new classifications are approved, the commission is empowered to approve, grant, deny, or withhold certificates under the existing classifications established by the state board.
(b)
It is the intent of this part to transfer to the Professional Standards Commission all functions previously performed by the state board with regard to certification and all functions related thereto, except with regard to public librarians.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.5 - Legislative intent; adoption of complaints policy

(a)
It is the intent of this part to resolve problems at the lowest possible organizational level with a minimum of conflict and formal proceedings so that good morale may be maintained, effective job performance may be enhanced, and the citizens of the community may be better served. These procedures require local units of administration to implement a simple, expeditious, and fair process for resolving problems at the lowest administrative level.
(b)
It shall be the duty of all local units of administration to adopt a complaints policy for certified personnel that shall contain the definitions and standards provided in this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.6 - Definitions

As used in this part, the term:
(1)
"Administrator" means the individual at each level designated by the local unit of administration to preside over and make decisions with respect to complaints.
(2)
"Central office administrator" means the local school system superintendent or the director of a Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).
(3)
"Complaint" means any claim by a certified employee of any local unit of administration who is affected in his or her employment relationship by an alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of statutes, policies, rules, regulations, or written agreements of the local unit of administration with which the local unit of administration is required to comply.
(4)
"Local unit of administration" means the local board of education or the local board of control of a RESA.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.7 - Matters not subject to complaint; appeal process for certain educators

(a)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the performance ratings contained in personnel evaluations conducted pursuant to Code Section
20-2-210
, professional development plans, and job performance shall not be subject to complaint under the provisions of this part; provided, however, that this shall not apply to procedural deficiencies on the part of the local school system or charter school in conducting an evaluation pursuant to Code Section
20-2-210
.
(2)
For teachers who have accepted a school year contract for the fourth or subsequent consecutive school year, summative performance ratings of "Unsatisfactory" or "Ineffective" contained in personnel evaluations conducted pursuant to Code Section
20-2-210
, procedural deficiencies on the part of the local school system or charter school in conducting an evaluation pursuant to Code Section
20-2-210
, and job performance shall be subject to appeal pursuant to this paragraph. Local units of administration shall establish an appeals policy that shall allow a teacher to appeal a summative performance rating of "Unsatisfactory" or "Ineffective." Such appeals policy shall include a method and reasonable timelines for filing an appeal that minimize the burden on both parties, a statement that a teacher shall not be the subject of any reprisal as a result of filing an appeal pursuant to this paragraph, a provision that an appeal hearing may be conducted by an independent third party or by an administrator in the system office on behalf of the school official or local unit of administration, and a method to receive the decision of the independent third party or system administrator. Should any reprisal occur, the teacher may refer the matter to the Professional Standards Commission. Each local unit of administration shall submit a copy of its appeals policy established pursuant to this paragraph to the Department of Education no later than July 1, 2021, and any time thereafter if material changes are made to such policy.
(3)
The termination, nonrenewal, demotion, suspension, or reprimand of any employee, as set forth in Code Section
20-2-940
, and the revocation, suspension, or denial of certificates of any employee, as set forth in Code Section
20-2-984.5
, shall not be subject to complaint under the provisions of this part.
(b)
A certified employee who chooses to appeal under Code Section
20-2-1160
shall be barred from pursuing the same complaint under this part.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 546,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 389,§ 3-1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 529,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2016.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 336,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2014.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.9 - Supplemental rules and policies authorized

Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent a local unit of administration from adopting supplemental rules and policies not inconsistent with this part that grant additional substantive and procedural rights to the complainant with respect to this part.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.10 - Collective bargaining not permitted or fostered

Nothing in this part shall be construed to permit or foster collective bargaining as part of the state rules or local unit of administration policies.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 11 - COMPLAINTS POLICY (§§ 20-2-989.5 — 20-2-989.11) › Section 20-2-989.11 - Appeals to State Board of Education

Appeals from the decision of the local unit of administration to the State Board of Education shall be governed by state board policy and Code Section
20-2-1160
.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 684,§ 20, eff. 5/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 12 - GRADE INTEGRITY ACT OF 2007 (§ 20-2-989.20) › Section 20-2-989.20 - No teacher to be required or coerced into changing student grades; ethical violation; change of grade by person other than classroom teacher

(a)
No classroom teacher shall be required, coerced, intimidated, or disciplined in any manner by the local board of education, superintendent, or any local school administrator to change the grade of a student. This subsection shall not apply when a teacher has failed to comply with grading policies or rules adopted by the local board of education or written procedures established by an individual school that are applicable to the grading process, unless such policy, rule, or procedure would require a student be given a grade different than the actual grade achieved. A violation of this Code section shall constitute an ethics violation reportable to the Professional Standards Commission pursuant to Part 10 of this article.
(b)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prevent a principal or other local school administrator from discussing the grade of a student with a classroom teacher.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prevent a central office administrator, superintendent, or local school administrator from changing a student's grade. Any grade change made by a person other than the classroom teacher must be clearly indicated in the student's school records and must indicate the person responsible for making such grade change.
Added by 2007 Ga. Laws 138,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2007.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 13 - SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATORS (§§ 20-2-989.30 — 20-2-989.33) › Section 20-2-989.30 - [Short title]

This part shall be known and may be cited as the "School Supplies for Educators Act."
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 461,§ 3, eff. 4/23/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 13 - SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATORS (§§ 20-2-989.30 — 20-2-989.33) › Section 20-2-989.31 - [Definitions]

As used in this part, the term:
(1)
"Authorized ecommerce vendor" means an ecommerce vendor that has been approved by the Department of Education in accordance with policies, rules, and regulations established by the State Board of Education.
(2)
"Ecommerce" means a commercial transaction, which may include the transmission of funds or data or both, conducted electronically via the internet.
(3)
"Eligible educator" means a teacher, paraprofessional, or school administrator employed in good standing at a public school in this state.
(4)
"School Supplies for Educators Program" or "program" means the program established pursuant to this part to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible educators who purchase school supplies online as provided in this part.
(5)
"User" means an eligible educator who is certified by a participating local school system or public school as eligible to participate in the program and who has a user account.
(6)
"User account" means the unique platform account assigned by the Department of Education to each eligible educator.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 461,§ 3, eff. 4/23/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 13 - SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATORS (§§ 20-2-989.30 — 20-2-989.33) › Section 20-2-989.32 - [School Supplies for Educators Program]

(a)
The School Supplies for Educators Program is established to provide financial and technical assistance to educators who purchase school supplies online as provided in this part.
(b)
The requirements of this part shall be subject to appropriation of funds by the General Assembly or the availability of other funds for such purpose.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 461,§ 3, eff. 4/23/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 17 - TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL (§§ 20-2-790 — 20-2-989.33) › Part 13 - SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATORS (§§ 20-2-989.30 — 20-2-989.33) › Section 20-2-989.33 - [Program to allocate funds for eligible educators to purchase school supplies online]

(a)
The State Board of Education shall:
(1)
Establish a program for the Department of Education to allocate funds for eligible educators to be used at the discretion of such educators for the online purchase of school supplies as provided in this part;
(2)
Establish such policies, rules, and regulations as necessary for the implementation of this part; and
(3)
Authorize the State School Superintendent, in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Services, to identify one or more authorized software services providers to offer and support a user-friendly online ecommerce platform that:
(A)
Processes the allocation of funds by the Department of Education to the user accounts of eligible educators for the online purchase of school supplies from authorized ecommerce vendors; and
(B)
Includes appropriate fiscal management and payment systems and reporting and training tools, as required by the State Board of Education.
(b)
The Department of Education shall:
(1)
Ensure that purchases using program funds are restricted to online purchases of school supplies from authorized ecommerce vendors;
(2)
Promulgate guidelines and provide technical assistance to facilitate local school systems, public schools, and educators utilizing the program and to ensure program purchases are restricted to allowable expenses; and
(3)
Establish processes as necessary for the implementation of the program consistent with the provisions of this part and with the policies, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Education.
(c)
Each local school system or public school shall certify, as required by the Department of Education, the eligibility of each educator employed by such local school system or public school who requests a user account; provided, however, that to be eligible for a user account an educator shall be employed in good standing at a public school.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 461,§ 3, eff. 4/23/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-990 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that an urgent crisis confronts public education in Georgia. Evolving constitutional principles established by recent judicial decisions impose increased burdens upon school administrators and boards of education and subject them to personal liability under judicial doctrines so unsettled as to render it difficult to predict the legality of actions in advance. Consequently, responsible and competent persons declined to accept appointment and employment, with resulting detriment to public administration. This crisis has become so grave that immediate relief is essential to quality education, and the purchase of protection through liability insurance and contracts of indemnity, and the defense of civil and criminal actions at public expense, as part of the public compensation paid to such officials and employees, offers the only feasible solution. Therefore, the General Assembly finds that the expenditure of public funds for such purposes in these circumstances is for educational purposes and in furtherance of the support and maintenance of public schools and public education.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-991 - Liability insurance for performance of duties authorized; actions against insurers

In addition to other compensation paid to members of the State Board of Education, the State School Superintendent, and employees of the state board, and to members of boards of education, school superintendents, teachers, principals, officers, and employees of boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and other administrators and employees of county and other local public school systems, the state board, the boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and the several boards of education of counties, cities, and independent school systems, whenever created, are authorized, in their discretion, to purchase policies of liability insurance or contracts of indemnity insuring or indemnifying the members of the state board, State School Superintendent, employees of the state board, officers and employees of boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, and the members of the boards of education, superintendents, teachers, principals, and other administrators and employees against damages arising out of the performance of their duties or in any way connected therewith, whether based upon negligence, violation of contract rights, or violation of civil, constitutional, common-law, or other statutory rights, whether state, federal, or both. Such boards may expend state, county, federal, and local funds, or any combination thereof, for such purposes. The amount of such insurance or indemnity shall be in the discretion of the respective board. No action shall be maintained against the person or company issuing such insurance or contracting for such indemnity until final judgment has first been entered against the individual covered by such policy or contract.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 52,§; 37, eff. 1/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-991.1 - Including nonprofit organizations, their members, and school volunteers in policies and indemnity contracts

A policy of liability insurance or contract of indemnity purchased pursuant to Code Section
20-2-991
by a board of education of a county, city, or independent school system may, in the board's discretion, include provisions insuring nonprofit organizations, their members, and school volunteers against damages arising out of the performance of volunteer duties in support of the educational purposes of the school system, when such duties are authorized by the board or its designee; provided, however, that the inclusion of such provisions relating to nonprofit organizations and their members (1) has no effect whatsoever on the cost of the policy or contract so purchased either at its initial purchase or upon renewal and (2) does not require the expenditure of state, county, federal, or local funds for the administration of such provisions.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-992 - Immunity not waived

Nothing in this article shall be construed as waiving any immunity or privilege now or hereafter enjoyed by the State Board of Education, by the board of control of any cooperative educational service agency, by any local board of education, by any member of any such board, or by any employee of the state board, school superintendent, principal, teacher, administrator, or other employee or as waiving any immunity or privilege of any state or other public body, board, agency, or political subdivision.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-993 - Defense of actions against officials and employees

In lieu of obtaining the insurance or indemnity referred to in Code Section
20-2-991
or in addition thereto, such boards may, as part of the compensation and terms of employment of the members thereof and of the officials and employees thereof, adopt policies whereby the board will undertake to defend all or specified civil, criminal, or quasi-criminal actions brought or maintained against such members or such officials and employees arising out of the performance of their duties or in any way connected therewith, whether based upon negligence, violation of contract rights, or violation of civil, constitutional, common-law, or other statutory rights, whether state or federal. Such board may expend state, county, federal, and local funds, or any combination thereof, for such purposes, including, but not limited to attorney's fees, court costs, deposition costs, witness fees and compensation, and all other like costs, expenses, and fees; provided, however, that any and all legal representation of the State Board of Education, the State School Superintendent, and employees of the state board shall be through the office of the Attorney General.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18 - LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES (§§ 20-2-990 — 20-2-994) › Section 20-2-994 - Payment of amount of deductible under liability policies

In addition to other compensation paid to board members, officers, officials, administrators, and other employees referred to in this part, whether under this part or otherwise, the State Board of Education, local boards of education, or boards of control of cooperative educational service agencies, as the case may be, are authorized to make payment for the amount of the deductible identified in the liability policy or policies; provided, however, that:
(1)
Such payments may be made only with respect to acts or omissions giving rise to such liability which occur after April 5, 1978, and while the person or persons guilty therefor are still in office or employed by the board responsible under this Code section for making such payment;
(2)
Such payments may be made only with respect to acts or omissions connected with or arising out of the performance of the official duties by the person or persons individually liable therefor with the board in question; and
(3)
Such payments may be made only if the acts or omissions giving rise to such liability do not involve the commission of any civil or criminal offense against the board otherwise responsible therefor or involve the misappropriation of funds or property belonging to such board or any public agency.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 18A - LIABILITY OF EDUCATORS FOR DISCIPLINING STUDENTS (§§ 20-2-1000 — 20-2-1001) › Section 20-2-1001 - Limited immunity from criminal liability

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term "educator" means any principal, school administrator, teacher, school counselor, paraprofessional, school bus driver, volunteer assisting teachers in the classroom, tribunal members, or certificated professional personnel.
(b)
An educator shall be immune from criminal liability for any act or omission concerning, relating to, or resulting from the discipline of any student or the reporting of any student for misconduct, provided that the educator acted in good faith.
Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 335,§ 33, eff. 7/1/2013.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1010 - Instructional materials and content

(a)
The State Board of Education is authorized to prescribe, by regulation, the definition of the term "instructional materials and content" to include but not be limited to systematically designed material in any medium, including digital instructional materials and content and any computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such instructional materials and content, that constitutes the principal source of study for a state funded course to be used in the various grades in the public schools of this state, including the elementary grades and high school grades. The state board may provide, by regulation, for multiple listings of instructional materials and content for use in the various grades and may, in its discretion, authorize the local school superintendents to exercise a choice as between various instructional materials and content so listed or adopted for any particular grade.
(b)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to exempt computer hardware or related equipment acquired by the state from competitive bidding.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 245,§ 20, eff. 5/13/2011.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 490,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1011 - Selecting, acquiring, and purchasing instructional materials and content; exclusion of partisan or sectarian material

The State Board of Education may provide for the selection, acquisition, or purchase of instructional materials and content either by multiple listings or uniform adoption or by any other method that will enable the acquiring of acceptable instructional materials and content at the lowest possible costs, provided such adoption or multiple listings shall in no event constitute a binding contract until ratified in writing by the state board. None of the instructional materials and content so purchased shall contain anything of a partisan or sectarian nature.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1013 - Free instructional materials and content; care and protection of instructional materials, library books, and media materials; reimbursement by pupils or parents

(a)
The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to inaugurate and administer a system of free instructional materials and content for the public schools of this state. The state board shall have authority to promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary for that purpose.
(b)
All instructional materials and content and any computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such digital materials and content purchased by local units of administration with state Quality Basic Education Program funds or any other means of acquisition may remain the property of the local unit purchasing or acquiring them. Assistive technology devices that are acquired may remain the property of the student; provided, however, that this shall not be construed to violate any contracts or copyright laws. Each local unit of administration shall establish such policies as it deems necessary for the care and protection of its instructional materials and content; computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such materials and content; library books; and media materials as a condition to receiving all or part of the state contributed Quality Basic Education Program funds allotted to the local unit. Such policies may include any of the following sanctions against a pupil who fails or refuses to pay for any lost or damaged instructional materials and content; computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such materials and content; library book; or media material at the replacement cost:
(1)
Refusal to issue or make available any additional instructional materials and content, any computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such materials and content, any library books, or any media materials until restitution is made; or
(2)
Withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, or certificates of progress until restitution is made.
No local unit of administration shall require any pupil or parent to purchase any instructional materials and content; computer hardware, software, and technical equipment necessary to support such materials and content; library book; or media material except in cases where the pupil damages, loses, or defaces such item either through willful intent or neglect.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 708,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1014 - Purchases to be at lowest price offered other schools

All purchases or contracts for purchases shall be made subject to the condition that the price paid by the state shall not exceed the price which may be offered by the publisher to any other school or school authority for substantially the same instructional materials and content.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1015 - Instructional materials and content in digital or electronic format; funding

(a)
Local boards of education are strongly encouraged on and after July 1, 2020, to:
(1)
Purchase all instructional materials and content in digital or electronic format; and
(2)
Provide a laptop, tablet, or other wireless electronic device to each of its students in grades three and higher or allow students to provide their own for use as the principal source of reading or accessing instructional materials and content.
(b)
The State Board of Education shall annually determine a reasonable level of funding to assist local boards of education in attaining complete digital access pursuant to this Code section. Such level of funding shall annually be presented to the General Assembly for its consideration in including appropriations for such purposes.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 625,§ 20, eff. 5/3/2016.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 708,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2012.
Added by 2001 Ga. Laws 321, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND CONTENT (§§ 20-2-1010 — 20-2-1017) › Section 20-2-1016 - Exceptions

This article shall not apply to students in home study programs or virtual courses.
Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 171,§ 2-2, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19A - AMERICAN HISTORY RECOGNITION AND SIGNIFICANT DOCUMENTS (§§ 20-2-1020 — 20-2-1022) › Section 20-2-1021 - Display of historically significant documents

(a)
To increase student understanding of, and familiarity with, American historical documents, public schools may display historically important excerpts from, or copies of, those documents in school classrooms and common areas as appropriate. Local boards of education and charter schools are strongly encouraged to allow and may encourage any public school teacher or administrator to read or post in a public school building, classroom, or event excerpts or portions of writings, documents, records, or images that reflect the history of the United States, including, but not limited to:
(1)
The Preamble to the Georgia Constitution;
(2)
The Declaration of Independence;
(3)
The United States Constitution, with emphasis on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments;
(4)
The Bill of Rights;
(5)
The Mayflower Compact;
(6)
The national motto;
(7)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag;
(7.1)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Georgia flag;
(8)
The National Anthem;
(9)
The writings, speeches, documents, and proclamations of the Founding Fathers and Presidents of the United States;
(9.1)
The Emancipation Proclamation;
(9.2)
The Gettysburg Address;
(10)
Decisions of the United States Supreme Court; and
(11)
Acts of the Congress of the United States, including the published text of the Congressional Record.
(b)
As historical documents, there shall be no content based censorship of American history and heritage documents referred to in this Code section due to their religious or cultural nature.
Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 241,§ 38A, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 19A - AMERICAN HISTORY RECOGNITION AND SIGNIFICANT DOCUMENTS (§§ 20-2-1020 — 20-2-1022) › Section 20-2-1022 - Online instructional resources relating to American history for educators

To increase student understanding of, and familiarity with, American historical documents and to provide curriculum support to classroom teachers of United States history, American government and civics, economics, and social studies, the Department of Education is strongly encouraged to create an online instructional resource page or pages for teachers, which may include, but is not limited to, links to websites, foundational documents, and lesson plan ideas. In order to create shared digital resources available to all students in this state, such online resources may be integrated with the Teacher Resource Link of the Statewide Longitudinal Data System. At a minimum, such resource page or pages may include the items in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (a) of Code Section
20-2-1021
and may focus on the foundational principles of limited constitutional government, federalism, religious liberty, freedom of speech, the right to private property, free enterprise, and the rule of law. There shall be no content based censorship of American history, writings of the Founding Fathers, or heritage documents referred to in this Code section due to their religious or cultural nature. It is strongly encouraged that the online teacher resource page be completed and made easily available to teachers no later than July 31, 2016, and support the requirements specified in Code Section
20-2-1020
.
Added by 2015 Ga. Laws 241,§ 38A, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 20 - [Repealed] EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 1990 (§ 20-2-1030) › Section 20-2-1030 - through 20-3-1033 - [Reserved]

Reserved. Repealed by Ga. L. 2012, p. 358, § 38/HB 706, effective July 1, 2012.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 21 - BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION (§§ 20-2-1050 — 20-2-1051) › Section 20-2-1050 - Brief period of quiet reflection authorized; nature of period

(a)
In each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall, at the opening of school upon every school day, conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than 60 seconds with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled.
(b)
The moment of quiet reflection authorized by subsection (a) of this Code section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but shall be considered as an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day.
(c)
The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section shall not prevent student initiated voluntary school prayers at schools or school related events which are nonsectarian and nonproselytizing in nature.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 21 - BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION (§§ 20-2-1050 — 20-2-1051) › Section 20-2-1051 - Participation not to be regulated or required

No teacher, principal, school board, or any other person may require or prescribe any particular method or manner in which a child shall participate in any period of silent prayer or meditation, but each child shall be absolutely free to participate therein or not, in such manner or way as such child shall personally desire, consistent with his or her beliefs.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 22 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1128) › Part 1 - POWERS OF STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1076) › Section 20-2-1070 - Powers of State Board of Education as to bus drivers' salaries, federal and other transportation aid, and standards for vehicles and drivers

The State Board of Education is authorized to use a part of the public school fund to pay the salaries of bus drivers employed by the several county boards of education. The state board is authorized to administer any and all appropriations that may be made by the United States Congress, its agencies, or bureaus to assist this state in the maintenance and operation of pupil transportation and to administer all funds allocated or appropriated or otherwise made available by the state for pupil transportation; the state board is further authorized to accept and receive donations and gifts of both real and personal property, including vehicles and other equipment, from either public or private sources as may be offered for the support, maintenance, and operation of pupil transportation.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 22 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1128) › Part 1 - POWERS OF STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1076) › Section 20-2-1071 - Transportation contracts

Whenever the county board of education deems it for the best interest of the schools of the county, it shall also have the right and power to contract with individuals or corporations for the transportation of pupils and school employees to and from school.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 22 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1128) › Part 1 - POWERS OF STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1076) › Section 20-2-1072 - Financial interest in transportation facilities or sale of school buses, school bus equipment, or school bus supplies of state and local school authorities prohibited

No member of the Department of Education or county school superintendent or member of the county board of education shall be financially interested in procuring and operating means or facilities for school bus transportation or in selling school buses, school bus equipment, or school bus supplies to county boards of education.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 20 - EDUCATION (§§ 20-1-1 — 20-18-7) › Chapter 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (§§ 20-2-1 — 20-2-2140) › Article 22 - SCHOOL BUSES (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1128) › Part 1 - POWERS OF STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS (§§ 20-2-1070 — 20-2-1076) › Section 20-2-1073 - Transportation forbidden if certified detrimental to student's health; penalty

It shall be unlawful to transport any student to or from any public school in this state if a physician, licensed to practice medicine in this state, shall have certified to the superintendent of the county or independent school system, in writing, that the transportation of such student would be detrimental to the health of the student. It shall be unlawful to expend or use public funds for the transportation of students for whom a certificate has been filed by a physician. Any person, school superintendent, or member of a county or independent board of education violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.