The bill amends section 15.1-19-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the suspension and expulsion of students in kindergarten through grade twelve. It mandates that school districts adopt rules for suspension and expulsion, ensuring that a procedural due process hearing is conducted before a student can be expelled. The bill allows for parental or representative participation in these hearings. Additionally, it specifies that a school district may suspend a student for up to ten days for certain infractions and up to twenty days for students enrolled in alternative education programs.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for expulsion, allowing a school district to expel a student for up to twelve months for specific behaviors, including insubordination and disorderly conduct. The bill emphasizes that the school district must consider the severity of the infraction, the student's age, and their disciplinary history when determining the length of the expulsion. It also states that 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 clarifies that violations of the school district's weapons policy can lead to expulsion under the specified guidelines.

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