Texas Senators Revise Student Discipline Legislation, Empowering Schools with Greater Flexibility

In a significant policy shift, the Texas Senate has approved a comprehensive rewrite of student discipline regulations, granting schools increased latitude in managing student behavior. This updated legislation included various modifications that softened earlier, harsher provisions. Before the bill reaches the governor, it requires approval from the House. "Disruptions hinder both teaching and learning," remarked state Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, who guided the bill through the Senate. “We aimed to meet both the House and Senate's objectives.” The new version of House Bill 6 permits schools to impose in-school suspensions determined by principals, provided they review placements every ten days. Students will continue their coursework under faculty supervision. Furthermore, it amends vaping penalties, allowing lesser consequences for first-time offenders. The legislation will ease disciplinary protocols for homeless and younger students by overturning restrictive laws from 2017 and 2019. An amendment mandates documentation of disruptive behavior before suspending students in grades K-3. Additionally, considerations must involve professionals knowledgeable about disabilities when disciplining affected students. Perry asserted that this legislative effort is crucial to addressing classroom disruptions and fostering an effective learning environment.