The bill, H.B. No. 458, amends the Education Code to establish new guidelines for the discipline of students enrolled in grades below six or those receiving special education services in public schools. It allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to develop programs that provide alternative disciplinary measures for students who engage in specific conduct, as outlined in Section 37.005(a). The programs must be age-appropriate, research-based, and focus on promoting positive behavior and a supportive school environment, while minimizing reliance on traditional punitive measures such as in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that students in grades below six may not be placed in out-of-school suspension unless they engage in serious misconduct, including weapon-related offenses, violent offenses, or drug-related activities while on school property or during school-sponsored events. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.0013, Education Code 37.005 (Education Code 37)