Bill > SF2428

This bill expands the disciplinary responsibilities of school districts and charter schools to include both violent and nonviolent disruptions caused by students, moving beyond previous language that focused only on threats or incidents of violence. It requires school districts to develop and distribute model policies, which charter schools must also follow, outlining how students will be disciplined for these disruptions. These policies must include strategies to correct behavior, offer parent conferences and counseling when appropriate (with parental consent for mental health sessions), and be consistent with federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act, as well as state laws. The bill also mandates escalating disciplinary levels, allows schools to choose discipline based on severity, and permits actions such as suspension, expulsion, or placement in alternative learning environments. Importantly, it requires individualized education program (IEP) meetings for students with disabilities who cause disruptions, ensuring their educational needs are met and that disruptions are not a manifestation of their disability. The bill also establishes oversight review committees to determine when students removed from classrooms can return and outlines specific procedures for handling both nonviolent disruptions, which can involve a teacher removing a student for at least thirty minutes, and violent disruptions, which may lead to immediate removal and more severe consequences. Finally, it clarifies definitions for "nonviolent disruption" and "violent disruption" and ensures that these new policies do not infringe upon existing federal rights for students with disabilities.

Education

Education (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2428