MN HF2243

Requires schools to use nonexclusionary disciplinary policies and practices (positive behavioral interventions, alternative education services) before removing pupils from class or dismissing them from school, except where conduct creates immediate and substantial danger.

Prohibits zero-tolerance policies that mandate automatic dismissal and limits suspensions to 10 school days maximum (15 days if expulsion is pending), with each suspension requiring a readmission plan developed with parent input.

Mandates that pupils cannot be dismissed for attendance, disruptive conduct, or insubordination unless conduct creates immediate and substantial danger; requires administrative conferences with adult advocate present before suspension, especially for kindergarten through grade 5 pupils and pupils with disabilities.

Requires schools to report all dismissals, suspensions, removals from class, physical assaults on employees, and pupil withdrawal agreements to the commissioner, disaggregated by student demographics and race.

Appropriates $5 million for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for student inclusion grants to fund professional development for educators on implementing nonexclusionary disciplinary policies, understanding bias in discipline, and alternative intervention strategies.