Assigned to ED FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2460
suspension; requirements; K-4 students
Purpose
Exempts a school district or charter school from the requirements prescribed for
suspending a pupil in a kindergarten program or grades one through four (K-4) if the pupil is
suspended for two or fewer days.
Background
A school district governing board (governing board) must prescribe rules for the discipline,
suspension and expulsion of pupils. A school superintendent, principal, school official authorized
by the governing board or, in certain circumstances, a teacher may suspend a pupil from school
for good cause.
Unless a pupil is expelled for bringing a firearm to school as statutorily-required, a school
district or charter school may suspend or expel a K-4 pupil only if the pupil is at least seven years
old and engages in conduct that: 1) involves the possession of a dangerous weapon; 2) involves
the possession, use or sale of a dangerous drug or narcotic drug or a violation of the prohibitions
relating to drug free school zones; 3) immediately endangers the health or safety of others; or 4) is
determined to qualify as aggravating circumstances and the pupil's behavior is persistent and
unresponsive to targeted interventions. Additionally, the following must apply: 1) failing to
remove the pupil would create a safety threat; 2) the school district or charter school first considers
alternative behavioral and disciplinary interventions; and 3) school district or charter school
policies provide readmission procedures as outlined (A.R.S. ยงยง 15-841 and 15-843).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Exempts a school district or charter school from the requirements and procedures prescribed
for suspending a K-4 pupil if:
a) the pupil is suspended for two or fewer days; and
b) the pupil's aggregate suspensions do not exceed 10 days within the school year.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 1/24/23 DP 8-2-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/21/23 41-19-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2023
LB/KT/slp