SB203 Summary

• Establishes a uniform statewide system of procedural due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion for violating student conduct codes or state law.

• Prohibits suspension or expulsion of pre-K through fifth grade students unless behavior endangers physical safety of others, and prohibits exclusionary discipline for truancy or tardiness violations in any grade.

• Requires local boards to appoint impartial hearing officers to conduct disciplinary hearings within 10 school days, with students entitled to notice, evidence review, legal representation, witness testimony, and written decisions within 5 school days.

• Mandates principals consider student age, disciplinary history, violation severity, and whether lesser interventions could address behavior before recommending long-term suspension or expulsion.

• Directs State Department of Education to provide annual training for impartial hearing officers and State Board of Education to adopt implementing rules addressing officer impartiality, disciplinary factors, and federal special education law compliance.