The bill, H.B. No. 3551, aims to enhance the process for a school district student's reentry into a regular educational environment from an alternative education program, while also emphasizing parental involvement in this transition. Key amendments to the Education Code include the establishment of minimum standards for disciplinary alternative education programs, which now explicitly include planning for a student's reentry into a regular educational environment. The bill replaces the term "transition" with "reentry" in various sections, reflecting a more supportive approach to reintegrating students.

Additionally, the bill mandates that within five instructional days of a student's release from an alternative program, the campus administrator must hold a meeting to coordinate the student's enrollment and reentry, involving the student's parent or guardian and relevant school personnel. A personalized school reentry plan must be developed, which includes recommendations for educational placement and access to mental health services. The bill also allows the commissioner to adopt necessary rules for implementation and is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, unless passed with immediate effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.023 (Education Code 37)