This bill amends R.S. 17:416 regarding the discipline of students in public schools, specifically addressing the possession of certain substances on school property. It establishes that students in grades six through twelve found guilty of possessing firearms, knives with blades over two and a half inches, or illegal narcotics will face a minimum expulsion of two complete school semesters, a reduction from the previous four semesters. The bill also introduces a provision that students found guilty of possessing marijuana or its derivatives will not face expulsion unless it is a second or subsequent offense. Additionally, students found guilty of possessing tobacco, alcohol, or vaping products may be recommended for expulsion, with the first occurrence of marijuana possession also included in this category.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that each local public school board must collect and report data annually to the state Department of Education regarding expulsions. This report will include the number of students expelled for first and subsequent offenses and the number of students who return to a regular school setting after completing their expulsion period at an alternative educational placement. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for student discipline while ensuring accountability and data transparency in school disciplinary actions.

Statutes affected:
HB384 Engrossed: 17:416(C)(2)
HB384 Enrolled: 17:416(C)(2)
HB384 Act 497: 17:416(C)(2)