House Bill No. 283, known as the "Teacher's Shield Act," aims to enhance protections for students and school employees against incidents of assault and battery. The bill amends existing laws to ensure that when a student is accused of committing battery or assault on a school employee or another student, the principal must immediately suspend the student and remove them from school premises. This applies to incidents occurring both on and off school property. The bill also defines "school employee" to include all staff members, substitute teachers, bus operators, and volunteers. Furthermore, it mandates that students found guilty of such offenses be expelled for a minimum of two complete school semesters and placed in alternative educational settings, while also participating in anger management programs.

In addition to student discipline, the bill addresses sick leave provisions for school employees who are injured or disabled due to assaults. It specifies that sick leave can be utilized for medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatments. The bill removes previous exceptions that allowed students to return to the same school as their victims, thereby reinforcing the safety of both students and staff. All documentation related to these incidents must be maintained in the student's records, ensuring accountability and proper tracking of disciplinary actions.

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