Bill > H328

This bill aims to decriminalize non-violent and verbal student misconduct in schools. It proposes several key provisions: 1) School resource officers (SROs) must receive specialized training on child and adolescent development, de-escalation techniques, and alternatives to arrest. SROs should only use traditional policing methods like arrest when necessary to address serious, immediate threats to physical safety. 2) SROs should not get involved in routine school discipline for non-violent infractions like tardiness or dress code violations. Schools and police departments must have a written agreement outlining the role of SROs and protocols for utilizing mental health professionals. 3) The bill amends existing laws to prevent elementary and secondary school students from being charged, adjudicated, or convicted for disturbing an assembly or being a disorderly person due to conduct within the school or at school-related events. This effectively decriminalizes these non-violent, verbal offenses for students in those settings. The overall goal is to shift away from a criminal justice approach to student misconduct and instead emphasize alternatives, de-escalation, and support for student needs and challenges.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H328