MI HB5531

School boards must expel students permanently for possessing dangerous weapons in weapon-free school zones, committing arson on school grounds, or committing criminal sexual conduct, subject to possible reinstatement under specified conditions.

Students in grade 5 or below expelled for firearm possession or threatening with a dangerous weapon may petition for reinstatement after 60 school days; students in grade 6 or above may petition after 150 school days, with minimum reinstatement periods of 90 and 180 school days respectively.

School boards may deny expulsion for weapon possession if the student establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the object was not possessed as a weapon, was not knowingly possessed, the student did not know it was dangerous, or it was possessed with school or police permission.

A rebuttable presumption exists against expulsion for weapon possession if the school board determines one of the listed factors applies and the student has no prior history of suspension or expulsion.

Expelled students must be referred to county social services or mental health agencies within 3 days, and school districts must provide alternative educational services, with reinstatement decisions made by a committee including school board members, administrators, teachers, and parents.