OH HB609

Adds new expulsion authority allowing school districts to expel students for up to 60 school days for communicating threats to kill or harm persons or property on school grounds, if the student engaged in conduct constituting a substantial step toward committing the threatened act.

Requires a school safety risk assessment for students who communicate threats, with potential psychiatric evaluation and hospitalization if the student is believed to be mentally ill and poses a danger to self or others.

Allows school districts and law enforcement to seek restitution from parents of students expelled under the threat provision for reasonable administrative and investigative costs incurred.

Establishes a 30-day review panel process to determine if students identified as mentally ill can return to school, with appeal rights to the district board of education.

Adds school district superintendents and school psychologists to the list of professionals authorized to take persons into custody for mental health evaluation under state law.