Bill > S07198

This bill amends the education law in relation to school climate and codes of conduct on school property, and makes conforming amendments. Specifically, this bill: - Requires school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, and charter schools to adopt and amend codes of conduct for maintaining order on school property, including provisions regarding student conduct, acceptable treatment of school staff and visitors, disciplinary measures, and procedures for reporting and addressing code violations. It requires these codes of conduct to promote a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment. - Prohibits certain disciplinary actions like suspensions for issues like tardiness, absence, dress code violations, and willful disobedience. It requires schools to use the least severe action necessary to respond to code violations, including the use of restorative practices. - Provides additional requirements and procedures for student suspensions, including creating education plans for suspended students, allowing them to earn academic credit, and holding hearings before longer suspensions. - Makes changes to the procedures for disciplining students with disabilities or those presumed to have a disability, to align with federal law. - Requires providing professional development on the code of conduct, interventions, and graduated discipline for school staff and law enforcement. Overall, the bill aims to promote more supportive and less punitive approaches to student discipline in schools.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S7198