Recognizing that a plastic water gun is a far cry from a real weapon, Florida lawmakers this spring approved changes to the state's zero-tolerance law to give school officials more flexibility in imposing it.

Today, Gov. Crist signed the bill into law, calling it an improvement in the state's efforts to keep children out of the juvenile justice system and in the education system. The focus will turn to expelling students who pose a real and serious threat to school safety.

“This legislation maintains Florida’s strict school safety policies while reducing the unintended consequences that have led to the wrongful placement of students in the juvenile justice system,” Crist said in a news release. “Florida’s children are one of our most important resources for securing Florida’s future, and we must ensure they have a safe, fair and first-class education.”

The bill also limits school's use of corporal punishment.