The "Teacher Bill of Rights Act" aims to enhance the rights and protections of teachers and educational staff in Wyoming's K-12 public schools. Key provisions include empowering teachers to maintain classroom discipline, ensuring a safe learning environment, and mandating school districts to implement progressive intervention systems for student discipline. The bill requires documentation of disciplinary actions and outlines a process for removing students who exhibit "objective disruptive behavior." It emphasizes the need for administrative support, the establishment of classroom management plans, and the provision of professional development and training for teachers to effectively manage safety threats.
Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding student discipline and teacher responsibilities, including the requirement for age-appropriate behavioral interventions and the establishment of an appeal process for teachers regarding student removal decisions. It grants civil and criminal immunity to teachers acting within the scope of their duties, with exceptions for excessive force or willful misconduct. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption in favor of teachers in legal proceedings, ensuring they receive fair investigations and the right to legal representation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.