The Teacher and Student Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance the safety of both teachers and students in Arkansas schools by prohibiting the re-placement of students who have exhibited violent or abusive behavior in the same classroom as the affected teacher or student. The bill outlines that if a student is removed from class due to such behavior, they must be placed in an alternative learning environment during the review process. Additionally, it mandates that if a student is removed from class two or more times within a grading period, a conference involving the principal, teacher, school counselor, and the student's guardians must occur before the student can return to the classroom.

The legislation also specifies that if a student's violent or abusive behavior is determined to be a manifestation of a disability, they will be placed in an appropriate interim alternative educational program. The bill further establishes that if a student is removed for violent behavior three or more times in a school year, they may be placed in an alternative learning environment for the remainder of the year or expelled. The definition of "violent or abusive behavior" is also expanded to include various forms of threatening actions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maintaining a safe educational environment.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1062 V2 - 1-15-2025 11:56 AM: 6-18-511, 01-15-2025, 6-48-101, 6-41-217, 6-48-104(a)