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Bill > HB398


VA HB398

VA HB398
Public elementary and secondary schools; student discipline, etc.


summary

Introduced
01/08/2024
In Committee
02/29/2024
Crossed Over
03/08/2024
Passed
03/25/2024
Dead
Vetoed
04/17/2024

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Public elementary and secondary schools; student discipline; evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices. Prohibits, except in certain cases involving specific offenses enumerated in applicable law or in cases in which the division superintendent or his designee finds that aggravating circumstances, as defined by the Department of Education, exist, any public elementary or secondary school student from being suspended, expelled, or excluded from attendance at school without first considering at least one evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice such as community conferencing, community service, mentoring, a peer jury, peer mediation, positive behavioral interventions and supports, a restorative circle, or the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports. The bill also requires the Department to add as part of the student behavior and administrative response collection required pursuant to relevant law the use of evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices as a behavioral intervention in order to evaluate the use and effectiveness of such practices.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits public elementary or secondary school students from being suspended, expelled, or excluded from attendance at school without first considering at least one evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice, such as community conferencing, community service, mentoring, or peer mediation. The bill also requires the Department of Education to track the use and effectiveness of these restorative disciplinary practices. Additionally, the bill specifies that students in preschool through grade three can only be suspended for more than three days or expelled in cases involving physical harm or aggravating circumstances, as defined by the Department. The bill aims to promote the use of alternative, evidence-based disciplinary methods that prioritize repairing harm and rebuilding relationships over traditional suspension and expulsion.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

House sustained Governor's veto (on 04/17/2024)

bill text


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