bill barring expulsion for minor school conduct violations

The text as introduced · 280 words

89R15119 BCH-F

By: Allen
H.B. No. 4653

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the discipline of public school students who engage in

certain conduct.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 37.001, Education Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:

(b-2) The conditions described by Subsections (a)(2) and

(3) must provide that a student may not be expelled or removed to a

disciplinary alternative education program for a minor violation of

the student code of conduct, including insubordination, disruption

to the classroom, the use of offensive or profane language, or a

violation related to attendance, dress, or grooming.

SECTION 2. Section 37.002(c), Education Code, is amended to

read as follows:

(c) If a teacher removes a student from class under

Subsection (b), the principal may place the student into another

appropriate classroom or [ , ] into in-school suspension [ , or into a

disciplinary alternative education program as provided by Section

37.008 ]. The principal may not return the student to that teacher's

class without the teacher's consent unless the committee

established under Section 37.003 determines that such placement is

the best or only alternative available. The terms of the removal

may prohibit the student from attending or participating in

school-sponsored or school-related activity.

SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026

school year.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.