FL H1009

Changes legislative intent from requiring schools to use alternatives to expulsion to encouraging schools to use alternatives to expulsion or law enforcement referral, except when school safety is threatened.

Requires district school boards to adopt rules placing students found to have committed offenses under s. 784.081(1), (2), or (3) in alternative school settings or programs rather than expulsion, when appropriate.

Mandates immediate removal from classroom and placement in alternative school setting when a student is charged with specified offenses, pending disposition.

Clarifies that zero-tolerance policies should not be rigidly applied to petty misconduct and misdemeanors such as minor fights or disturbances.

Requires zero-tolerance policies to apply equally to all students regardless of economic status, race, or disability; effective July 1, 2014.