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 these disciplinary actions, ensuring that a procedural due process hearing is conducted before a student can be expelled. Parents or representatives of the student must be allowed to participate in this hearing. The bill clarifies the conditions under which a student may be suspended or expelled, specifying that a school district may suspend a student for up to ten days for certain behaviors and up to twenty days for students in alternative education programs.

Additionally, the bill allows for expulsion of students, including those in alternative education programs, for up to twelve months for specific infractions. It emphasizes that the school district must consider the severity of the infraction, the student's age, and their disciplinary history when determining the duration of the expulsion. Furthermore, 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