SF2428: School Discipline Policy Reform

Replaces previous requirements focused on threats or incidents of violence with broader mandates covering both violent and nonviolent disruptions. It defines these disruptions, outlines new processes for teacher removal of students, mandates oversight committees, specifies individualized education plan (IEP) protocols, and clarifies teacher authority regarding student return to classrooms. The bill also incorporates federal and state law compliance, and emphasizes behavioral interventions and procedural safeguards for students with disabilities. Effective 7/1/2026.

Key Points & Impacts

• Expands discipline policy requirements from only threats/incidents of violence to include both violent and nonviolent disruptions, with new definitions for each.

• Mandates each attendance center to create an oversight review committee (two teachers, one staff) to determine when a removed student may return to the classroom.

• Empowers teachers to remove students for nonviolent disruptions for at least 30 minutes; students cannot be returned without teacher consent unless the oversight committee decides otherwise.

• Requires that students removed more than once for nonviolent disruptions participate, with parents and staff, in a meeting to create a behavioral plan; alternative placements may be considered.

• Requires teachers to remove students for violent disruptions; students cannot be returned to the classroom without teacher consent unless by committee, and if the disruption included assaulting the teacher, the committee cannot override the teacher's decision.

• Mandates suspension, expulsion, or alternative placement for students removed for violent disruptions, as determined by the principal.

• Establishes explicit IEP team meeting requirements and teacher involvement when students with an IEP are removed; requires review and possible revision of the IEP within 10 days, with detailed considerations outlined in the law.

• Ensures all procedures are consistent with special education law, federal education/disability rights laws, and that behavioral intervention plans are updated as needed.

Signed by Governor June 1, 2026. Takes effect July 1, 2026.