AK HB302

Prohibits school administrators from suspending or expelling students for willful disobedience or defiance unless the behavior creates substantial risk of danger, with specific examples including talking back, cursing, eye rolling, and arriving late to class.

Preserves authority to suspend or expel students for possessing weapons, engaging in physical fights, or possessing drugs or alcohol on school grounds.

Requires school disciplinary and safety programs to include standards for when teachers may remove students from classrooms for willful disobedience or defiance, using the same definition established in the bill.

Mandates school governing bodies develop disciplinary programs with community collaboration and include provisions for conflict resolution, mental health support, restraint and seclusion standards, and compliance with federal special education law.

Repeals prior language governing student suspensions and expulsions in existing statute.