HB0065

Establishes mandatory discipline policies for K-12 public school districts and specifies permissible disciplinary measures, reporting requirements, and employee protections.

• Requires school district boards of trustees to adopt rules or policies for reasonable forms of punishment and disciplinary measures, with specific authority for teachers, principals, and superintendents to enforce classroom and district behavior rules. (W.S. 21-4-308(a), Sec. 1)
• Authorizes school district employees to enforce classroom management rules including policies on electronic devices and to discuss disciplinary issues with parents or guardians, with exceptions allowed for state or federal law compliance. (W.S. 21-4-308(a)(i)(A)-(B), Sec. 1)
• Permits removal of disruptive or dangerous students from areas of disruption using reasonable force when necessary to prevent injury or ensure safety, with such force subject to seclusion and restraint rules under W.S. 21-2-202(a)(xxxii). (W.S. 21-4-308(a)(i)(C)(I), Sec. 1)
• Establishes permissible consequences for student misconduct including alternative classroom placement, in-school suspension, exclusion from school events and activities, and suspension or expulsion in accordance with existing statute. (W.S. 21-4-308(d), Sec. 1)
• Requires school principals and superintendents to consult with removing employees regarding recommended consequences and to provide written notice if final consequences differ from recommendations. (W.S. 21-4-308(a)(i)(C)(II), Sec. 1)
• Mandates that school district superintendents or principals provide written notice to parents or guardians of disciplinary actions taken and consult with them in imposing consequences. (W.S. 21-4-308(k), Sec. 1)
• Provides that teachers acting consistently with the amended statute, applicable school district policies, and state board of education rules are protected from professional disciplinary proceedings, reprimands, or adverse employment actions. (W.S. 21-4-308(j), Sec. 1)
• Establishes a reporting requirement whereby schools report major disciplinary actions to school district boards by June 15 annually, boards consolidate and submit to the Department of Education by July 15, and the Department submits a summary report to the Joint Education Interim Committee by August 15, with all data de-identified.