OH HB443

Eliminates zero tolerance policies for violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior in all Ohio school districts, including policies adopted prior to the effective date of this amendment.

Requires school districts to adopt policies allowing consideration of multiple factors before suspending or expelling students, rather than mandatory punishments.

Mandates school districts establish alternative strategies including prevention, intervention, restorative justice, peer mediation, and counseling to address student discipline and harassment/bullying issues.

Requires the "big eight" school districts to establish at least one alternative school by July 1, 1999 to serve students with severe discipline problems, and other districts with significantly substandard graduation rates must do the same.

Establishes legislative intent to prevent students with behavioral problems from being "punished twice" through expulsion and loss of educational access.