TITLE: Relating to a review by the commissioner of education of state law regarding student suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary action and the implementation of that law by school districts.

SUMMARY: Relating to a review by the commissioner of education of state law regarding student suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary action and the implementation of that law by school districts.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a review by the commissioner of education of state law regarding student suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary action and the implementation of that law by school districts. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. REVIEW. (a) The commissioner of education shall conduct a review of the student disciplinary provisions in Chapter 37, Education Code, the rules adopted under those provisions, and the implementation of those provisions and rules by school districts in this state. (b) In conducting the review, the commissioner of education shall focus attention on provisions that permit a school district to exercise discretion in determining whether to suspend a student, place a student in a disciplinary alternative education program, or expel a student. (c) The commissioner of education shall provide opportunity for public comment regarding the review. SECTION 2. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) After conducting the review and receiving public comment, the commissioner of education shall develop a proposed plan for reducing the number of discretionary disciplinary actions taken by school districts in this state, including recommendations for any necessary changes to state law to facilitate that goal. (b) The commissioner of education shall post the proposed plan and any recommendations for changes to state law on the Texas Education Agency's Internet website and provide an additional period for public comment before finalizing the plan and any recommendations. SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2014, the commissioner of education shall submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the legislature containing the results of the review and the plan and any recommendations developed as a result of the review. SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2015. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.