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, now specifying that students may be subject to either in-school or out-of-school suspension. The bill establishes that out-of-school suspensions cannot exceed three school days, while in-school suspensions have no time limit. Additionally, it restricts out-of-school suspensions for students below grade three, allowing such suspensions only for serious offenses, including threats to health and safety, significant classroom disruptions, or possession of controlled substances.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits placing homeless students in out-of-school suspension unless they engage in specific serious conduct while on school property or during school-related activities. It emphasizes the need for coordination between the campus behavior coordinator and the school district's homeless education liaison to find alternatives to suspension for homeless students. The bill also repeals a previous section of the Education Code and states that the new provisions will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect possible if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

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