This bill amends the election procedures and responsibilities for high school students serving as nonvoting members on school boards. It establishes that high school students will be selected through a simple majority vote of the student body, with elections occurring 30 school days after the school year begins. Eligible students must declare their intent to run 15 days prior to the election, and the bill outlines specific procedures for the election process, including the use of paper ballots and the counting of votes by designated faculty members. Additionally, the bill expands the duties of student board members to include proposing agenda items, representing student concerns, and attending all regularly scheduled school board meetings, while also stipulating that they may be removed from their position if they miss a certain number of meetings without justified cause.

Furthermore, the bill introduces penalties for school personnel who interfere with the election process or mislead student members regarding their rights and duties. Violations can lead to warnings, disciplinary actions, or reports to the state board of education, which can impose monetary penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. The bill also mandates that a copy of the relevant section be distributed to each student member before their first meeting. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance student representation on school boards while ensuring fair election practices and accountability for school personnel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194:23-f
HB1453 text: 194:23-f, 21-N:11