SB70 Summary

• Establishes uniform statewide 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 their behavior endangers physical safety of others, and prohibits suspension or expulsion of any student for truancy or tardiness.

• Requires principals to consider student age, disciplinary history, violation seriousness, and whether lesser interventions could address behavior before recommending disciplinary action.

• Mandates impartial hearing officers for long-term suspensions and expulsions, with procedures including written notice, hearing within 10 school days, right to representation, evidence review, and written decision within 5 school days.

• Requires State Department of Education to annually train impartial hearing officers and State Board of Education to adopt rules implementing the act, including restrictions on ex parte communications and factors for determining appropriate discipline.