The bill requires the department of education (department) to
compile data and create reports based on information received from school districts and charter schools (schools) related to chronic absenteeism rates, the number of in-school and out-of-school suspensions, the number of expulsions, the number of students handcuffed or restrained, the number of referrals to law enforcement, and the number of
school-related arrests. The department shall annually update and post such data and reports on its website.
The department shall create easily accessible and user-friendly
school district profiles relating to school climate, including school climate surveys.
Restrictions concerning the use of restraints on students are
increased, including providing, creating, and implementing training for school staff and school security staff on the use of restraints and adding restrictions to the use of restraints on students.
The department is required to develop a policy for hiring, training,
and evaluating school resource officers.
For the state fiscal year 2022-23, the bill requires an additional
appropriation of $2 million to the department to continue the expelled and at-risk student services program for the purpose of providing services and supports to develop effective attendance and discipline systems, to address educational inequities and disproportionate discipline practices, and to offer staff training and technical assistance to ensure the culturally responsive implementation of services and supports.
