AZ HB2125

Restricts suspension and expulsion of pupils in preschool through fourth grade to cases involving dangerous weapons, dangerous or narcotic drugs, or conduct that immediately endangers health or safety.

Requires schools to consider and employ alternative behavioral and disciplinary interventions before suspending or expelling young pupils, with documentation of alternatives considered.

Establishes readmission procedures allowing parents of suspended or expelled pupils in preschool through fourth grade to appeal for readmission after five school days (for suspensions exceeding ten days) or at least twenty school days (for expulsions).

Requires schools to post notice and take minutes of governing board hearings on pupil discipline, and mandates annual reporting of suspensions and expulsions involving illegal substance possession to the Department of Education.

Clarifies that discipline rules cannot be based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, with potential withholding of state funding for districts found substantially non-compliant.