ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
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. §§ 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
3rd Read 2/21/23 41-19-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2023
LB/KT/slp