The bill amends the Education Code regarding the discipline of public school students, specifically focusing on suspension policies. It allows principals or administrators to suspend students for conduct outlined in the student code of conduct, with new provisions for both in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Notably, out-of-school suspensions are limited to a maximum of three school days, while in-school suspensions have no time limit. The bill also specifies that students below grade three can only be placed in out-of-school suspension for serious offenses, including threats to health and safety, significant classroom disruptions, or possession of controlled substances.

Additionally, the bill introduces protections for homeless students, stating they cannot be placed in out-of-school suspension unless they engage in specific serious conduct while on school property or during school-related activities. The campus behavior coordinator is tasked with working alongside the school district's homeless education liaison to find alternatives to suspension for these students. The bill repeals a previous section of the Education Code and is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, unless it receives immediate approval from the legislature.

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