O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.1 (2019)

(a) Each local board of education shall establish a policy, pursuant to this subpart, regarding a student’s possession of a firearm, dangerous weapon, or hazardous object at school. With respect to a student who is determined to have possessed a firearm or dangerous weapon at school, such policy shall require expulsion from school for a period of not less than one calendar year; provided, however, that a hearing officer,

ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUC.

tribunal, panel, administrator, superintendent, or local board of education shall have the authority to modify such expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.

(b) A hearing officer, tribunal, panel, superintendent, or local board of education shall be authorized to place a student determined to have brought a firearm, dangerous weapon, or hazardous object to school in an alternative educational setting.

(c) Nothing in this Code section shall infringe on any right provided to students with Individualized Education Programs pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.