HB2123 Summary

• Prohibits suspension or expulsion of pupils in kindergarten through fourth grade unless the pupil is at least seven years old and engaged in serious conduct such as weapon possession, drug possession, or conduct that immediately endangers others' health or safety.

• Requires schools to document persistent behavioral issues unresponsive to targeted interventions and consult with parents, school counselors, or mental health professionals before suspending or expelling younger pupils.

• Mandates disability screening before long-term suspension or expulsion of elementary students to determine behavioral issues are not disability-related.

• Establishes readmission procedures allowing parents to appeal suspensions exceeding ten school days (after five days served) or expulsions for kindergarten through fourth grade pupils at least twenty school days after the expulsion.

• Requires schools to consider and employ alternative behavioral and disciplinary interventions before suspension or expulsion when feasible while maintaining school safety, with documentation of interventions considered.