SB 1626 Summary: Student Discipline

• Replaces "code of student conduct" with "standards for intervention" focusing on addressing root causes of misbehavior through interventions rather than punitive discipline, while requiring meaningful community involvement in policy creation.

• Prohibits exclusionary discipline for minor infractions including unexcused tardiness, dress code violations, and non-threatening behavior infractions; requires schools to use restorative justice practices and other interventions before excluding students.

• Restricts law enforcement arrests of students to serious threats to school safety only; requires written documentation of arrests and prohibits referrals for petty misconduct unless failure to do so would endanger physical safety.

• Mandates school districts hire counselors and support staff at nationally recommended ratios (250 students to 1 counselor) and provide annual surveys on school safety and discipline issues.

• Requires school resource officers and safety officers to complete training on child development, restorative justice, cultural diversity, and rights of students with disabilities; establishes minimum qualifications including no history of excessive force or racial bias.