This bill amends existing laws regarding student discipline in Louisiana schools, specifically R.S. 17:416 and R.S. 17:416.18. It grants teachers the authority to take disciplinary action against students who violate school rules or disrupt the educational process, explicitly prohibiting principals and administrators from discouraging or retaliating against teachers for such actions. The bill mandates that teachers must remove students who pose a threat to safety or violate the school's code of conduct, replacing the previous language that allowed for discretion. Additionally, it requires a conference between the teacher and the student's parent or guardian before the student can be readmitted to the classroom after a third removal.

The legislation also emphasizes the protection of teachers' rights, stating that no local school board can create policies that hinder teachers from exercising their rights under this section. It further clarifies that while teachers have the authority to discipline students, they must still adhere to the discipline policies established by the public school governing authority. Overall, the bill aims to enhance teacher authority in managing classroom behavior while ensuring that they are protected from retaliation for enforcing discipline.

Statutes affected:
HB322 Original: 17:416(A)(1), 17:18(B)
HB322 Engrossed: 17:416(A)(1), 17:18(B)
HB322 Reengrossed: 17:416(A)(1), 17:18(B)
HB322 Enrolled: 17:416(A)(1), 17:18(B)
HB322 Act : 17:416(A)(1), 17:18(B)