This bill amends current law to prohibit school districts from denying a student admittance to school based on tardiness or violations of dress code or school uniform policies. Specifically, it states that students cannot be penalized for tardiness or for not adhering to a school uniform policy, with the exception of cases where a student's attire indicates gang affiliation associated with criminal activities. The bill also clarifies that while students cannot be denied admittance for these reasons, school boards retain the authority to enforce their adopted student codes of conduct or policies that do not conflict with this legislation.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding school uniform policies, removing the provision that allowed for the denial of admittance based on non-compliance with such policies. It emphasizes the need for school boards to assist economically disadvantaged students in complying with uniform requirements and mandates public hearings and notice periods before implementing any dress code policies. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:11-8