Thursday, March 27, 2025
Good morning. This week we’re reporting on opposing arguments regarding controversial school safety legislation, how worker safety questions linger as the Hyundai Metaplant opens, four Fort Stewart soldiers deaths abroad and the struggles of a Brunswick housing agency.
Questions, comments or story ideas? Reach out to us at staff@thecurrentga.org.
NEWS: GOVERNING, PUBLIC SAFETY
School safety bill controversy, support
A Georgia Senate subcommittee heard arguments for and against a wide-ranging school safety bill passed earlier this month in the statehouse, meant to prevent another deadly shooting like the one at Apalachee High School last fall.
The bill seeks to create a statewide database for students with law enforcement information, mental health concerns and disciplinary records. It would also require the timely transfer of that information when a student transfers schools and seeks to add mental health counselors to school staffs.
Much of the concern was related to the database and fears of over-policing children. One advocate who spoke on behalf of the bill’s passage this week was Coastal Georgia legislator, Rep. Rick Townsend.
“I think (Apalachee) brought a situation to light where we can improve communication,” the Brunswick legislator and former principal said.
As to the database, “We’ve been keeping data on kids forever,” he said, “Nothing new there.”
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
Worker injuries, deaths overshadow Hyundai Metaplant opening
Hyundai officially opened its new EV automotive facility off I-16 in Ellabell on Wednesday, with tours for local officials and media trumpeting the safety and innovation at the plant.
Two issues not mentioned on the tour: worker fatalities and injuries.
Last Friday, a man was struck by a forklift and killed at the LG battery facility part of the Bryan County megasite. It was the second death of a worker since construction began in January 2023.
The Current‘s Amira Mckee first broke the story about mounting serious injuries among workers at the Metaplant last year. The rapid pace of construction, due to a desire to take advantage of key electric vehicle manufacturing tax credits, contributed to the injuries. Local news reports followed, like that of television station WTOC, which reported in December that there were 53 worker injuries in 16 months and many incidents unreported.
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
Soldier fatalities from Fort Stewart
More news we’re tracking: Four soldiers from the U.S. Army Fort Stewart base who went missing in Lithuania during a training exercise on Tuesday have died, according to The Associated Press.
The four were part of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
EXPLAINER: COMMUNITY
One last thing: Housing in Brunswick
Conversations about public safety in downtown Brunswick and ongoing legal battles between the city and a homeless shelter often miss out on a key player: The Brunswick Housing Authority.
The BHA, considered the last resort for stable housing by those who can’t get help from other organizations, is struggling with severe bureaucratic challenges, as The Current‘s Jabari Gibbs reports.
One out of every eight of the agency’s 763 federally subsidized rental units sit empty, while the waitlist for its properties exceeds 1,000. The agency director says they don’t have the finances to hand out vouchers for new tenants who qualify for their federally subsidized rents. And with the new presidential administration, it’s unclear what the future of the federal housing program will be.
GA lawmakers hear praise, concerns about legislation to stop school shooters
House Bill 268, which would make it a felony to threaten someone with death at a school and establish a statewide information-sharing database to track students whose behavior has raised suspicion, has raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Brunswick Housing Authority, confronted by nationwide uncertainty, can’t grant housing vouchers to homeless
Uncertainty caused by changes nationally, leaves the Brunswick Housing Authority experiencing a shortage of vouchers and implementing new policies to require employment and raise rental rates. Hand in Hand of Glynn is waiting for a change in the status quo to receive 60 project-based vouchers from the authority.
Ban on cell phone use during K-8 school hours in Georgia goes to the governor
A bill banning personal devices like cell phones in Georgia schools has passed the Senate nearly unanimously and is now headed to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, with the goal of transforming schools and promoting mental health and public safety.
Rep. Carter moves to weaken air pollution standard
U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter has introduced legislation to weaken the regulation of harmful air pollution, specifically targeting the EPA’s strengthened standards for particulate matter pollution, which could save billions of dollars in public health benefits.
Shrimp bill hits rough waves in Georgia Senate
A bill to protect Coastal Georgia shrimpers from foreign imports has been stalled in the Georgia General Assembly due to amendments requiring restaurants to disclose the origin of their seafood, a move that has been criticized by the restaurant industry.
Support independent, solutions-based investigative journalism without bias, fear or favor on issues affecting Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
You must be logged in to post a comment.