This bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska related to student discipline in schools, specifically focusing on short-term and long-term suspensions. It allows principals to suspend students for up to five school days for conduct that warrants expulsion or other violations of school rules, provided that an investigation is conducted first. The bill introduces new requirements for written notifications to students and their guardians following a suspension, including details about the student's behavior, actions taken by the school prior to suspension, available resources, and plans for addressing the behavior in the future. Additionally, it mandates that principals make reasonable efforts to hold a conference with the student's parent or guardian before the student returns to school.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing prohibition on suspending students in pre-kindergarten through second grade by allowing suspensions in cases where a student brings a deadly weapon onto school grounds or engages in violent behavior that could harm others. It also enhances the procedural requirements for long-term suspensions, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment, ensuring that students and their guardians are informed of their rights and the resources available to assist them. The bill aims to provide a more structured approach to student discipline while emphasizing the importance of keeping students in school and addressing behavioral issues proactively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-265, 79-265.01, 79-268