HB 1596 Summary

• Establishes the "Common Sense Zero Tolerance Act" to allow school administrators discretion when disciplining kindergarten through fifth grade students for actions that do not pose imminent threats.

• Prohibits punishment for seven specific actions: brandishing food resembling a weapon, possessing toy weapons, simulating weapons with fingers or sounds, wearing clothing depicting firearms or supporting Second Amendment rights, drawing weapon images, and using writing utensils to simulate weapons.

• Permits disciplinary action only if student conduct substantially disrupts learning, causes bodily harm, places others in reasonable fear of harm, or clothing causes substantial disruption to learning.

• Requires any punishment imposed to be proportionate to the infraction severity and consistent with district policies for similar violations, and mandates school principals notify parents of disciplinary action.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2015, with emergency provisions allowing immediate implementation upon passage and approval.