HB5617 Summary

• Creates Safe Schools and Healthy Learning Environments Program authorizing State Board of Education to award competitive grants to school districts that reallocate funding from school-based law enforcement to evidence-based alternatives like restorative justice, mental health services, and staff training on conflict resolution.

• Requires grant-receiving districts to reallocate law enforcement funding and provides dollar-for-dollar state matching funds for alternative programs; prohibits using grant funds to increase school-based security personnel.

• Mandates annual reporting by State Superintendent on program results, including progress in reducing school-based arrests and over-reliance on law enforcement for disciplinary matters.

• Prohibits student arrest or citation for criminal offenses during school hours on school grounds or at school activities unless offense constitutes a felony, involves physical violence with serious bodily injury, involves a firearm, or involves criminal sexual abuse; specifies justice-system interventions shall be used only as last resort.

• Takes effect August 1, 2016.