IASB Legislative Report 104-09

All the attention was focused on the Senate this week as the House was not in session. The Senate Education Committee passed several bills on Wednesday, April 2, including SB2423, an initiative of the State Board of Education sponsored by Senator Lightford. SB2423 would prohibit expulsions for K-2 students and require superintendents to approve K-2 suspensions of three days or more. The sponsor believes that expulsions for children of this age group are unnecessary and expressed concern with the number of suspensions issued. Opponents of the bill testified that schools are reporting a troubling rise in student behavior that is impacting students and teachers. Placing further limits on disciplinary options will affect the school’s ability to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Opponents also emphasized the shortage of school behavior professionals. The sponsor committed to continuing to work with school management groups, including IASB, to try and find a balance between keeping students in school and student and staff safety. IASB will continue to engage with the sponsor on this bill.

Also included in Legislative Report 104-09 is information on legislation that will amend a 2021 law limiting the use of restraints and seclusion of students in the classroom, updates on a bill to prohibit school's use of Native American mascots, and other proposals passed out of Senate Committees.