In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School that resulted in four deaths, Georgia's House Speaker Jon Burns announced plans to prioritize student mental health and improve gun detection and storage policies in 2025. However, Burns did not support more stringent measures favored by Democrats, such as universal background checks and 'red flag' laws. This marks the Republican Party's first official policy response to the September 4 incident, where shooter Colt Gray, aged 14, has been charged with murder. Lawmakers are also considering enhancing communication between law enforcement and mental health services, citing past failures to address threats made by the shooter. The proposals are crucial as the GOP seeks to maintain its majority in the state House amid upcoming elections. Democrats have criticized the GOP's approach, arguing that existing policy could have prevented the tragedy.