summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
07/01/2025
07/01/2025
Crossed Over
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Provides that early childhood programs receiving State funds shall restrict suspensions. Provides that the decision to suspend a student in preschool for 3 or more days may only be made by the superintendent of the school district, director of an early childhood program, or their equivalent and that the length of the suspension for any student in preschool may not be longer than the number of days required by the school district or early childhood program to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan. Prohibits a student in kindergarten through grade 2 from being expelled unless otherwise required by federal or State law. Provides that the decision to suspend a student in kindergarten through grade 2 for 3 or more days may only be made by the superintendent of the school district and that the length of the suspension for any student in kindergarten through grade 2 may not be longer than the number of days required by the school district to develop and implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan. Provides that a student who is suspended in excess of 20 school days may be immediately transferred to an alternative program. Provides that a student shall not be denied transfer because of the suspension, except in cases in which such transfer is deemed to cause a threat to the safety of students or staff in the alternative program. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code and the Department of Early Childhood Act to introduce stricter guidelines for suspensions and expulsions in early childhood and elementary education settings. The bill restricts suspensions and expulsions for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary students, providing that the decision to suspend a student in preschool for 4 or more days can only be made by a superintendent, program director, or individual with comparable supervisory authority. For students in kindergarten through grade 2, the bill prohibits expulsion except when required by federal law, and limits suspension decisions to the district superintendent. The length of suspensions for preschool and early elementary students is restricted to the number of days needed to develop and implement a behavior intervention or safety plan. The bill aims to address concerns about disproportionate disciplinary practices that negatively impact young students, particularly those from racial and gender minority groups, by encouraging schools to explore alternative disciplinary approaches and provide support services. Additionally, the bill requires schools to document and report disciplinary actions, including the reasons for suspension and efforts to address challenging behaviors, with a focus on creating more supportive and equitable learning environments.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (36)
William Davis (D)*,
Kimberly Lightford (D)*,
Carol Ammons (D),
Jaime Andrade (D),
Christopher Belt (D),
Mary Beth Canty (D),
Margaret Croke (D),
Kimberly du Buclet (D),
Marcus Evans (D),
Laura Faver Dias (D),
La Shawn Ford (D),
Edgar González (D),
Nicolle Grasse (D),
Will Guzzardi (D),
Barbara Hernandez (D),
Lisa Hernandez (D),
Norma Hernandez (D),
Maura Hirschauer (D),
Hoan Huynh (D),
Lilian Jiménez (D),
Adriane Johnson (D),
Tracy Katz Muhl (D),
Stephanie Kifowit (D),
Camille Lilly (D),
Joyce Mason (D),
Rita Mayfield (D),
Debbie Meyers-Martin (D),
Yolonda Morris (D),
Michelle Mussman (D),
Kevin Olickal (D),
Aarón Ortíz (D),
Abdelnasser Rashid (D),
Justin Slaughter (D),
Anne Stava-Murray (D),
Karina Villa (D),
Maurice West (D),
Last Action
Senate Floor Amendment No. 4 Rule 19(b) / Motion Referred to Rules Committee (on 07/01/2025)
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