SB79 Summary

• Establishes uniform statewide procedural due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion in Alabama public schools.

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

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

• Mandates disciplinary hearings before local school boards or neutral designees within 10 school days of initial suspension, with written notice, right to legal representation, access to evidence, witness testimony, and written decisions within 5 school days.

• Directs State Board of Education to adopt rules addressing factors for determining appropriate disciplinary measures, including student intent, culpability, extenuating circumstances, and impact on school environment.