ATLANTA (AP) — Registered sex offenders would not be allowed to run for or serve on a school board in Georgia under legislation that passed in the state Senate.

State Sen. John Douglas sponsored the measure that passed unanimously Tuesday.

Douglas, a Republican from Social Circle, says he was spurred by a 2008 incident in his Newton County district where a convicted pedophile unsuccessfully sought a seat on the local school board.

He says the legislation would stop sex offenders from using a seat on the school board to gain access to children.

"I was delighted to see the Senate line up behind a common sense bill that will prevent a repeat of the spectacle we saw last spring in Newton County," said Douglas. "No other community will have to endure the embarrassment of having a convicted pedophile attempt to win a seat on the local board of education should this bill receive final passage. I hope the House of Representatives will swiftly act on this bill and look forward to it becoming the law in Georgia."

It now moves to the House.