S.B. No. 475 establishes a Classroom Safety Review and Referral Program aimed at addressing violent criminal conduct among students in public primary and secondary schools. The bill mandates that if a principal has reasonable grounds to believe a student has engaged in violent conduct, they must either refer the student to a classroom safety review committee or report the incident to local law enforcement. Schools are required to form a safety review committee composed of five elected classroom teachers and a safety referral board that includes teachers, an assistant district attorney, a sheriff's office investigator, and a parent. The committee and board will review evidence and determine appropriate actions, which may include community service or referral to law enforcement.
Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for the destruction of materials related to the safety review process, classifying such an offense as a Class A misdemeanor. It also stipulates that any testimony provided during the review process is confidential. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()