Bill > HB384

This bill modifies disciplinary procedures for students in Louisiana public schools grades six through twelve who are found in possession of certain substances or weapons. Previously, students found with a firearm, knife over 2.5 inches, or illegal drugs were automatically expelled for four complete school semesters. The bill reduces this mandatory expulsion period to two semesters and creates a specific exception for marijuana possession: students will only face mandatory expulsion for marijuana on a second or subsequent occurrence. For first-time marijuana possession, students may be recommended for expulsion but are not automatically removed from school. Additionally, the bill requires local school boards to collect and report annual data on student expulsions, including the number of students expelled after first and subsequent offenses, and the number of students who return to regular school settings after completing alternative educational placements. The superintendent retains discretion to modify expulsion lengths on a case-by-case basis, provided the modification is documented in writing. These changes aim to provide more nuanced disciplinary approaches for student substance possession incidents.

Education

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB384&sbi=y