GA SB557

Student discipline requirements (Part 2 of Article 16) and public school employee complaint policies (Part 11 of Article 17) cannot be waived by the State Board of Education for strategic waiver school systems, charter schools, or completion special schools.

Local boards of education and public school governing bodies must adopt policies by August 1, 2026, allowing employees who are victims of physical violence by a student or a student's parent/guardian to transfer to a substantially similar position at another school within the same district, with protection from retaliation.

School climate star ratings (1-star through 5-star) shall not utilize student discipline data in their determinations.

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