The bill amends existing laws regarding student discipline in Louisiana schools, specifically R.S. 17:416 and R.S. 17:416.8. It expands the rights of teachers and school employees by allowing them to take disciplinary actions against students who violate school rules or disrupt the educational process, ensuring that no principal or administrator can retaliate against them for doing so. The bill also increases the membership of discipline policy review committees from sixteen to seventeen members, adding a paraprofessional elected by their peers.

Additionally, the bill outlines a comprehensive list of rights for school employees, emphasizing the importance of a safe and respectful working environment. These rights include protection from frivolous lawsuits, the right to hold students accountable for misconduct, and the right to professional development. The bill mandates that local school boards inform employees of these rights and prohibits any policies that would prevent employees from exercising them. The provisions aim to enhance the authority of school employees and ensure a conducive learning environment while maintaining compliance with existing laws and policies.

Statutes affected:
SB178 Original: 17:416(A)(1), 17:8(A)(1)
SB178 Engrossed: 17:416(A)(1), 17:8(A)(1)
SB178 Enrolled: 17:416(A)(1), 17:8(A)(1)
SB178 Act 439: 17:416(A)(1), 17:8(A)(1)