ATLANTA — First-time juvenile violators of a school's zero tolerance policy would no longer be designated felons under a measure that was unanimously approved by the Senate.
Under the proposal, items ranging from keychains to grooming kits, which could be classified as weapons, would now only carry that designation when used in an assault.
State Sen. Emmanuel Jones, one of the bill's sponsors, says first offenders would now be charged with a "delinquent act" rather than a felony, which could tarnish a student's record and be detrimental in consideration for college scholarships, military service and other areas. Jones says the measure is a common sense one that he hopes school systems will now use to amend their policies.
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