This bill aims to reform K-12 public school discipline in Wyoming by mandating school district boards of trustees to adopt specific rules and policies regarding student punishment and discipline. Key provisions include the requirement for school districts to establish rules for the use of reasonable force by employees when removing students from school property, as well as granting all school district employees the authority to discipline students under their supervision. The bill also outlines various consequences for student misconduct, such as in-school suspension and exclusion from school activities, while ensuring that students removed from classrooms are not placed back without the consent of the classroom teacher.

Additionally, the bill eliminates the previous ability of school districts to withhold diplomas for unpaid fines and modifies the civil and criminal immunity protections for school district employees. It introduces a requirement for school district employees to report any suspected violent crimes on school property, with protections for those who report in good faith. The bill also mandates that school districts take reasonable steps to ensure safety when physical violence is likely to occur. Sections of existing law are repealed to align with these changes, and school districts are required to adopt the new policies by August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0088 v0.7: 21-2-304, 21-4-308