OK HB1865

Students in grades 6-12 may be suspended out-of-school for specified violations, but students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 are prohibited from out-of-school suspension except in limited circumstances involving dangerous weapons.

Each school site with elementary students (pre-K through 5) must establish a three-member discipline committee composed of two teachers elected by staff and one administrator-selected professional staff member to determine alternative discipline measures.

Elementary students may only be suspended out-of-school if a principal or superintendent determines the student violated weapons/dangerous substance provisions and poses a danger to others; teachers may remove students from class with committee approval.

Students in grades 6-12 possessing a firearm must be suspended for not less than one year (modifiable by superintendent); those who assault school employees must be suspended for the remainder of the current semester and next consecutive semester.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2015, with an emergency declaration to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.