Kentucky House passes school discipline bill

The Kentucky House passed a school discipline bill Friday that’s aimed at defusing classroom disruptions by allowing teachers to take immediate action to remove unruly students.

Republican Rep. Timmy Truett, lead sponsor for the bill, said the disciplinary steps allowed under the measure aren’t intended to increase student suspensions or expulsions. But action is needed because teachers, staff and students deserve a learning environment free from disruptive behavior, he said.

The proposal won House passage on an 89-6 vote, sending the measure to the Senate. It comes as lawmakers consider ways to improve teacher recruitment and retention to help overcome the Bluegrass State’s shortage of classroom educators.

Under the bill, a teacher could immediately remove a student from class for being disruptive.

The student wouldn’t return to that class for the rest of that day without agreement from the teacher and a school administrator. A student removed from the same classroom three times within 30 days would be considered “chronically disruptive” and could be suspended from school.

House Bill 538 also would allow principals to permanently remove a student from a classroom for the remainder of the school year if their presence would “chronically disrupt the education process for other students.”

Such students could be assigned to another classroom or an alternative program.

Another provision would result in a student’s expulsion for at least 12 months if school district officials determine, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the student made threats posing a danger to students, faculty or staff.

That would allow school officials to take action “before something horrible happens,” Truett said.

The bill includes language allowing a superintendent to place a student in an alternative program, instead of being expelled, if the superintendent determines that the student “substantially” disrupts the education process or causes a threat to students or staff.

The alternative program could be provided virtually. Such actions couldn’t occur until the student’s parents or guardian have an opportunity for a hearing before district officials.




Students at Paducah Middle School get onto buses in 2018 in Paducah. The Kentucky House passed a school discipline bill Friday, March 3, 2023, that's aimed at defusing classroom disruptions by allowing teachers to take immediate action to remove unruly students. (Ellen O'Nan via AP, File)