AR HB1791

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-18-516 to expand the definition of "exclusionary disciplinary actions" to include out-of-school suspension and expulsion for students attending public school on-site, through virtual means, or any combination of both.

Requires public school district boards of directors to include in their student discipline policies a requirement that administrators request information about adverse childhood experiences (ACE) before placing students in alternative learning environments or implementing exclusionary disciplinary actions exceeding 10 cumulative days within one school year.

Defines adverse childhood experiences as stressful or traumatic events including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental separation/divorce, and incarceration.

Mandates that schools consider ACE information before imposing discipline and provide appropriate behavioral supports if an ACE is determined to have a direct and substantial causal relationship to the student's behavior; alternative learning environments and restorative practices must be considered before expulsion.

Requires the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a model of positive behavioral supports at prevention, strategic intervention, and intensive service levels, with the State Board of Education authorized to promulgate implementing rules.