Bill > HB0065

This bill mandates that school district boards of trustees **shall** adopt rules or policies for student discipline, shifting from a previous allowance to a requirement. These policies must empower school employees to enforce behavior rules, including those for electronic devices, and allow them to discuss disciplinary issues with parents or guardians, with exceptions for legal compliance. Employees are authorized to take actions to ensure safety and learning, such as removing disruptive students using reasonable force, which must align with rules on seclusion and restraint, or referring students to the principal or superintendent for further action. If a student is removed, the principal or superintendent must consult with the employee who removed the student, and if the final disciplinary action differs from the employee's recommendation, written notice must be provided to that employee, along with information on actions taken. Consequences for student misconduct can include placement in an alternative classroom (with teacher consent for return), in-school suspension, exclusion from school events, or suspension or expulsion as per existing state law. The bill also requires school districts to provide ongoing, funded professional development for teachers and staff on providing quality education and to ensure their input on its design. It mandates reporting of violent crimes on school property to the principal and superintendent, with good-faith reporting protected. School districts must take steps to ensure safety when physical violence is likely, and teachers acting in accordance with the bill's provisions and relevant policies will be protected from professional disciplinary proceedings. School principals or superintendents must notify parents or guardians of disciplinary actions and involve them in the process. Finally, the bill establishes a reporting system for major student disciplinary actions, with schools reporting to district boards, district boards to the department of education, and the department of education to a legislative committee, all while maintaining student confidentiality by de-identifying data. A specific subsection related to corporal punishment is repealed, and school districts have until August 1, 2026, to adopt the required policies.

Education (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0065