MI HB5619

School boards or their designees must consider using restorative practices as an alternative to or in addition to suspension or expulsion for pupil disciplinary issues.

Restorative practices may include victim-offender conferences with the victim, offender, school community members, and supporters to address harm and determine consequences such as apologies, community service, counseling, or restitution.

Restorative practices should be the first consideration for addressing offenses including interpersonal conflicts, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, property damage, class disruption, and harassment.

Consequences agreed upon by the restorative practices team must be documented in a signed agreement that includes time limits for completion.

The act takes effect August 1, 2017.