Senate Bill No. 1872 amends the Texas Education Code regarding the expulsion of public school students for specific offenses. The bill stipulates that a student must be expelled if they engage in conduct that includes unlawfully carrying weapons, committing serious offenses such as aggravated assault, murder, or sexual assault, and now includes engaging in conduct against a school district employee or volunteer. Additionally, the bill allows for expulsion if a student engages in conduct involving controlled substances or alcohol while on or near school property, with specific provisions for marijuana and e-cigarettes. The bill also clarifies that a teacher must remove a student from class for such conduct and cannot return the student without the teacher's consent if the conduct involved an offense against the teacher.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain provisions related to expulsion and modifies the requirements for juvenile justice alternative education programs. It mandates that students expelled for specific offenses must attend these programs and outlines the responsibilities of school districts and juvenile boards in managing these programs. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for immediate effect if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 36.06, Education Code 37.015 (Education Code 37, Education Code 36)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 36.06, Education Code 37.015 (Education Code 37, Education Code 36)
Engrossed: Education Code 37.007, Education Code 37.002, Education Code 37.006, Education Code 36.06, Education Code 37.015 (Education Code 37, Education Code 36)