The bill amends the Texas Education Code to revise disciplinary procedures for students in public schools, allowing principals to impose both in-school and out-of-school suspensions, with out-of-school suspensions capped at three school days. It establishes that students below grade three can only be suspended out-of-school for serious conduct, such as threats to safety or significant disruptions, and prohibits out-of-school suspensions for homeless students unless they engage in specific serious conduct. The bill also introduces virtual disciplinary alternative education programs for expelled students, ensuring they receive remote instruction, and clarifies the conditions under which students can be expelled for serious offenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 37.1151, permitting school districts to seek civil action for the temporary removal of students with disabilities if a threat assessment indicates potential harm. The district must show that reasonable efforts were made to maintain the student's current educational setting. If the court finds sufficient evidence, it can order removal for up to 60 instructional days, with the possibility of extension. The bill mandates that students with disabilities in alternative settings continue to receive all required educational services and repeals certain existing sections of the Education Code, with an effective date set for the 2025-2026 school year, or immediately if passed by a two-thirds majority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.005, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 29.03, Education Code 37.009, Education Code 37.010 (Education Code 29, Education Code 37)