GA HB1231

Teachers in Georgia cannot be required to supervise students during their duty-free lunch period or planning period except during an "extreme emergency," defined as severe weather, electrical/mechanical failure, armed attack or threat, major transportation disruption, or teacher illness/death—explicitly excluding substitute teacher shortages.

In extreme emergencies only, schools may require teachers to supervise students during lunch or planning periods for no more than one day per school week.

Outside of extreme emergencies, schools may request (but not require) teachers to supervise students during these periods, and teachers who agree must be compensated at an hourly rate consistent with their salary.

Requirements for duty-free lunch periods and planning periods cannot be waived by strategic waiver school systems, charter systems, charter schools, or completion special schools.

Effective July 1, 2026, applying to school years beginning with 2026-2027.