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VA SB586

VA SB586
Public elementary and secondary schools; student discipline, etc.


summary

Introduced
01/10/2024
In Committee
02/28/2024
Crossed Over
03/09/2024
Passed
03/25/2024
Dead
Vetoed
04/17/2024

Introduced Session

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 aims to promote evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices in public elementary and secondary schools. It prohibits suspending, expelling, or excluding students from school without first considering at least one restorative practice, such as community conferencing, peer mediation, or positive behavioral interventions. The bill also requires the Department of Education to track the use and effectiveness of these restorative practices. Additionally, it amends the definitions related to student discipline, including expanding the meaning of "evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice." The bill seeks to prioritize these alternative approaches to traditional disciplinary actions, with the goal of reducing suspensions, expulsions, and disciplinary referrals while fostering positive relationships and repairing harm.

Committee Categories

Education, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

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

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