Bill > SB029

This bill aims to address disproportionate discipline in public schools in Colorado. The key provisions include: 1. Establishing a School Discipline Task Force to study and make recommendations on school district discipline policies and practices, state and local discipline reporting requirements, and local engagement. The task force will consist of 18 members representing various stakeholder groups, including students, education organizations, and advocacy groups. 2. Requiring the task force to define "disproportionate discipline," review the Department of Education's plans for standardizing and reporting discipline data, recommend processes for public engagement in reviewing discipline data and developing improvement plans, and identify alternative approaches to discipline, such as positive behavioral interventions and supports. 3. Mandating that school districts consider certain factors before suspending or expelling a student, which was previously only encouraged. 4. Appropriating funds to the Department of Education for the task force's work and to the legislative department for legislator per diem and travel reimbursement. The bill aims to address the disproportionate disciplinary actions taken against Black and Hispanic students, and the connection between school discipline and the criminal justice system, with the goal of promoting more equitable and effective discipline policies in Colorado's public schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-029