Bill > H3876

This bill bans the suspension or expulsion of students enrolled in public pre-kindergarten through 5th grade in response to disciplinary infractions. It also requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide guidance and support to school districts on alternative disciplinary approaches, such as restorative justice and conflict resolution. The bill aims to enhance educational opportunities, especially for vulnerable students, by keeping them in school during the critical early grade levels. The ban on suspensions and expulsions is phased in, with pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade taking effect one year after passage, and pre-kindergarten through 5th grade taking effect two years after passage.