The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws by adding a new section titled "Student and Teacher Classroom Safety." It defines key terms such as "disruptive behavior," "chronically disruptive student," "removal," "return-to-classroom plan," and "immediate threat." The bill outlines the authority of teachers to remove students from the classroom under specific circumstances, including chronic disruption or immediate threats to safety. Teachers are prohibited from removing students for minor, non-disruptive behavior and must document removals and notify the principal by the end of the school day.
The principal or designee is required to review the incident within one school day and notify the student's parent or guardian within twenty-four hours. A return-to-classroom plan must be developed before the student can return to the classroom, with input from the classroom teacher. If there is an objection to the return-to-classroom plan, a review committee must be convened to determine the student's placement.
The bill emphasizes protections for students, particularly those with disabilities, ensuring they are afforded all rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and applicable state regulations. School districts are required to adopt policies consistent with this section by October 1, 2026, and must report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on classroom removals and related data, disaggregated by race, gender, grade level, and disability status.
Additionally, the bill provides protections for educators and staff, stating that a teacher or school employee acting in good faith and in accordance with this section shall not face disciplinary action or retaliation. This act will take effect upon passage.