ATLANTA — A bill that would make Georgia the first state in the nation to require weapons detectors in all public schools cleared a key legislative hurdle Thursday when the House Education Committee voted to advance the measure. House Bill 1023, introduced by House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Mulberry), would mandate that every public school building install weapons detection systems at main entry points by July 2027. The requirement would apply to all grade levels, including elementary schools. “There’s nothing more important than the safety and the futures of our children,” Efstration told the committee during Thursday’s hearing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks ] Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson learned the bill passed out of committee with bipartisan understanding that school safety remains a priority, though lawmakers raised questions about implementation costs. Rep. Phil Olaleye (D-Atlanta) noted that Atlanta Public Schools estimated the cost of basic systems at roughly $61,000 per elementary school. “I don’t think anyone up here is against wanting to ensure the safety and protection of our children while they’re in sc
