Section 20-2-1013. Free textbook system; care and protection of textbooks, library books, and media materials; reimbursement by pupils or parents

   (a) The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to inaugurate and administer a system of free textbooks for the public schools of this state. The state board shall have authority to promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary for that purpose.

(b) All hardbound or softbound textbooks, library books, and media materials purchased by local units of administration with state Quality Basic Education Program funds or any other means of acquisition shall remain the property of the local unit purchasing or acquiring them. Assistive technology devices and digital versions of textbooks that are acquired may remain the property of the student; provided, however, that this shall not be construed to violate any contracts or copyright laws. Each local unit of administration shall establish such policies as it deems necessary for the care and protection of its textbooks, library books, and media materials as a condition to receiving all or part of the state contributed Quality Basic Education Program funds allotted to the local unit. Such policies may include any of the following sanctions against a pupil who fails or refuses to pay for a lost or damaged textbook, library book, or media material at the replacement cost:

   (1) Refusal to issue any additional textbooks, library books, or media materials until restitution is made; or

   (2) Withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, or certificates of progress until restitution is made.

No local unit of administration shall require any pupil or parent to purchase any textbook, library book, or media material except in cases where the pupil damages, loses, or defaces such item either through willful intent or neglect.

Ga. L. 1937, p. 896, § 3; Ga. L. 1994, p. 1936, § 2; Ga. L. 2012, p. 893, § 6/SB 289.