Alabama Senate Bill SB181

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23

Caption

Relating to K-12 public education; to amend Section 16-1-14, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide legislative findings; to provide a uniform system of procedural due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion for violating the student code of conduct or state law; and to require the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement this act.

Impact

The stated intent of SB181 is to reduce the frequency of out-of-school suspensions, which currently exceed the national average in Alabama. By mandating due process protections, the state hopes to address the issues surrounding zero-tolerance policies, which have not shown to be effective in improving school climate or safety. Through this bill, measures such as determining the intent of the student and considering extenuating circumstances before imposing disciplinary actions will play a crucial role in shaping student treatment across the educational spectrum.

Summary

SB181 introduces a significant reform in K-12 public education in Alabama by creating a uniform system for procedural due process concerning the suspension and expulsion of students. The bill aims to standardize the disciplinary processes across local boards of education, which have been criticized for their disparate policies leading to inequality in handling student discipline cases. The legislation emphasizes fairness and clarity in procedures, requiring each local education board to adopt consistent rules regarding student behavior and the enforcement of disciplinary measures. It positions the State Board of Education to implement necessary rules to ensure compliance with these standards.

Contention

While the bill seeks to establish a fair and equitable system for handling student disciplinary issues, potential points of contention include the balance of authority between local education boards and state mandates. Critics may argue that the new processes could dilute local control and flexibility in addressing unique student needs and circumstances. Additionally, there are concerns regarding how strictly the proposed system will be monitored and enforced, particularly in terms of ensuring that students receive adequate representation at disciplinary hearings. Proponents of the bill, however, assert that these changes are essential for protecting students' rights and preventing subjective enforcement of disciplinary measures.