This bill authorizes the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create a pilot program aimed at providing alternative education for students who are suspended from school for more than fourteen days. The program will incorporate therapy and restorative practices into daily instruction and allows students to continue their education even after their suspension period has ended. Additionally, school districts are encouraged to develop plans to facilitate the reintegration of these students into elective classes, extracurricular activities, and other school programs once they have completed their suspension.

The bill also stipulates that up to ten percent of the funding available for alternative education programs each fiscal year will be allocated to this new pilot program, based on student participation. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2026.