Substitute Senate Bill No. 1093 focuses on implementing the recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee regarding education. The bill introduces a requirement for local or regional boards of education to develop and submit a response and improvement plan to the Department of Education if they report high or disproportionate rates of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, and expulsions. These plans must be updated annually. The bill also mandates the reclassification of at least four unfilled positions at the Department of Education to support schools with these plans and requires a list of recommended assessments for screening students at risk of mental health distress or suicide.

Furthermore, the bill revises policies for youth suicide prevention, establishes a student assistance program, and requires annual reporting by school boards on expelled students and their placement in alternative educational opportunities. An advisory committee will be formed to address suspensions and expulsions of students in preschool to second grade. The fiscal impact statement indicates costs to the State Department of Education starting in FY 25, with no municipal impact. The bill's provisions will take effect on various dates, with some starting upon passage, others on July 1, 2023, and the main implementation on January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-220, 10-222j
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-220
File No. 442: 10-220