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 longer than two and a half inches, illegal narcotics, tobacco, alcohol, or vaping products on school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events may be expelled. The bill removes the previous age restriction of sixteen years and instead applies to all students in grades six through twelve. Additionally, it introduces a provision that students suspended for a third time within the same school year for any offense (excluding dress code or tardiness) shall be recommended for expulsion.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of public school superintendents regarding the expulsion process and the conditions under which a student may be readmitted on a probationary basis. It allows for the modification of expulsion terms on a case-by-case basis, provided such modifications are documented in writing. The bill emphasizes the importance of communication between school officials and the student's guardians regarding any violations of the terms of readmission, ensuring that students who breach these terms can be removed from school premises without a hearing.

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)