Bill > H541

This bill aims to prohibit school suspensions and expulsions for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade by amending existing education law. The legislation is motivated by findings that keeping young students in school is crucial for their educational development, particularly in the wake of learning losses and traumatic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill progressively expands the prohibition on school exclusion, starting with prekindergarten through third grade in the first year, and then extending to fourth and fifth grades in subsequent years. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide guidance and support to school districts on alternative disciplinary approaches, such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem-solving. The goal is to create more equitable educational opportunities by reducing disparities in school discipline that can lead to unequal educational outcomes. The phased implementation allows schools time to adapt to the new disciplinary guidelines and develop more constructive approaches to addressing student behavior.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H541