NC H1067

Creates a 15-member Legislative Study Commission on the Connection Between Long-Term Suspension and Student Dropout Rates, with members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House, plus the Executive Director of the Department of Public Safety, Chairperson of the State Board of Education, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Commission shall examine disparities in long-term suspension and dropout rates across schools, best practices for parental notification, the role of school resource officers and law enforcement in disciplinary referrals, effectiveness of current laws and practices, and statewide goals to reduce suspension and dropout rates.

Commission members receive travel and subsistence expenses at statutory rates and may exercise all powers under G.S. 120-19 through G.S. 120-19.4; state departments and local governments must provide requested information.

Commission shall submit a final report with recommendations and proposed legislation to the 2017 General Assembly and terminates upon the earlier of filing the report or the 2017 General Assembly convening.

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2016-2017 to the Legislative Services Office to implement the study, effective July 1, 2016.