HB 1543 Summary

• Requires school districts to report acts of school violence to all teachers at the affected attendance center and to employees with a need to know, with expanded definitions of reportable crimes including assault, sexual assault, and weapon possession.

• Suspends students disciplined for violence or drug violations must remain at least 1,000 feet from school property and activities unless under direct adult supervision or superintendent authorization, with exceptions for residents and alternative school attendees.

• Provides civil liability protection for school personnel administering discipline, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and medication in accordance with school board policies and standard medical practices.

• Clarifies corporal punishment and reasonable force provisions are not child abuse when administered by certificated personnel with a witness present and in compliance with written discipline policies.

• Establishes drug and alcohol testing requirements for contractors and subcontractors on public school construction projects, with all testing costs paid by employers rather than the state.

• Modifies teacher career ladder compensation program to make state funding discretionary based on appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2012, with a fixed 40% state/60% local matching formula.