The bill amends section 15.1-19-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, which governs the suspension and expulsion of students in kindergarten through grade twelve. It requires school districts to adopt rules for suspension and expulsion, ensuring that a procedural due process hearing is conducted before a student can be expelled. Parents or representatives must be allowed to participate in these hearings. The bill clarifies that a school district may suspend a student for up to ten days for specific infractions, including insubordination and disorderly conduct, and may suspend students enrolled in alternative education programs for up to twenty days for similar reasons.

Additionally, the bill allows school districts to expel students, including those in alternative education programs, for up to twelve months for insubordination, habitual indolence, or disorderly conduct. The duration of the expulsion will be determined by considering the severity of the infraction, the student's age, and their disciplinary history. If a student meets the conditions for reinstatement set by the school district, the duration of the expulsion may be reviewed and potentially reduced. The bill also maintains provisions for expulsion related to violations of the school district's weapons policy.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-19-09
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Jonas: 15.1-19-09
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-19-09
Enrollment: 15.1-19-09