The "Teacher's Shield Act" aims to enhance protections for teachers and school employees in Louisiana by amending existing laws related to student discipline and sick leave. Key provisions include the enactment of new rules that exempt school boards from negligent hiring claims if they hire certified personnel, and the requirement for schools to inform employees of their rights to take disciplinary action against students. Additionally, the act mandates that any student accused of assaulting a school employee, whether on or off school property, must be suspended immediately, and outlines the procedures for expulsion in such cases.

The bill also expands the definition of sick leave to include uses for medical, psychological treatment, and physical rehabilitation for both school employees and bus operators. It ensures that documentation related to student disciplinary actions is maintained in student records and specifies that students found guilty of assaulting school employees cannot return to the same school as the victim. Overall, the act seeks to create a safer environment for educators and provide them with clearer guidelines and protections in the face of student misconduct.

Statutes affected:
HB283 Original: 17:416(A)(1)
HB283 Engrossed: 17:416(A)(1)
HB283 Enrolled: 17:416(A)(1)
HB283 Act 539: 17:416(A)(1)