The bill amends R.S. 17:416(C)(2) to update the grounds for mandatory expulsion of students in grades six through twelve. It specifies that students found guilty of possessing firearms, knives with blades over two and a half inches, illegal narcotics, tobacco, alcohol, or vaping products on school property, buses, or at school-sponsored events may face expulsion. The bill removes the previous age restriction of sixteen years and older for certain offenses and introduces new provisions that allow for expulsion recommendations for students who are suspended for a third time within the same school year for any offense, excluding dress code violations or tardiness.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the role of public school superintendents in the expulsion process and outlines the conditions under which expelled students may be readmitted on a probationary basis. It emphasizes that any violation of the terms of readmission can lead to immediate removal from school without a hearing. The changes aim to enhance school safety and discipline by broadening the scope of offenses that can lead to expulsion and streamlining the procedures for handling such cases.

Statutes affected:
SB358 Original: 14:416(C)(2)
SB358 Engrossed: 17:416(C)(2)
SB358 Enrolled: 17:416(C)(2)
SB358 Act 337: 17:416(C)(2)