The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.425, to modify the rules surrounding disciplinary dismissals for students in early learning programs, specifically those enrolled in preschool through grade 3. The previous prohibition on dismissals has been changed to allow for dismissals in accordance with the new provisions outlined in the bill. It clarifies that dismissals for less than one school day are not included, except for special education students as per existing laws. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that expulsions and exclusions can only occur after exhausting certain resources, now allowing for these actions under specific circumstances.

The bill introduces new subdivisions that detail the conditions under which suspensions, exclusions, and expulsions may occur. A pupil may only be suspended if there is an ongoing serious safety threat and after nonexclusionary discipline measures have been exhausted. Similar conditions apply for expulsions and exclusions, which also require adherence to procedural requirements specified in other sections of the law. The changes are set to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year and later, emphasizing a focus on nonexclusionary discipline methods before resorting to more severe disciplinary actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.425