SB189 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

School discipline, hearing required for student expulsion or long-term suspension, expulsion and suspension prohibited in certain circumstances, Sec. 16-1-14 am'd.

Summary

SB189 would require hearings for long-term suspensions or expulsions, limit suspensions/expulsions for very young students, and establish formal hearing procedures and state guidance for student discipline.

What This Bill Does

If passed, local boards must hold a disciplinary hearing for expulsions or suspensions longer than 10 days. It defines expulsion as more than 90 days and long-term suspension as more than 10 days up to 90 days, and applies protections to pre-K through 5th graders. It bars suspensions or expulsions solely for truancy or tardiness in any grade and requires steps like notice, representation, and review of evidence. It also requires the State Board to adopt rules on hearing impartiality, factors to consider, and admissible evidence, while preserving disability rights.

Who It Affects

• Students in pre-K through 5th grade: protected from suspension or expulsion unless their behavior endangers the physical safety of others.
• Parents or guardians and local education agencies (boards of education) and school staff: must participate in hearings, receive notices, provide or obtain representation, and follow the new procedures and training.

Key Provisions

• Defines expulsion as exclusion from school for more than 90 days and long-term suspension as exclusion for more than 10 days but up to 90 days.
• Prohibits pre-K through 5th grade suspensions or expulsions unless the behavior endangers the physical safety of students or staff.
• Prohibits suspensions/expulsions solely for truancy or tardiness in any grade.
• Requires local boards to adopt rules for behavior and discipline and to ensure removal/isolation does not deprive students of equal and adequate education.
• Requires local boards to appoint a qualified impartial hearing officer, provide annual training, and follow a formal hearing process within 10 school days after initial action.
• Outlines hearing procedures: notice, opportunity for representation, review of evidence beforehand, informal conference to present defense, and the right to present evidence at the hearing.
• Requires the hearing officer to issue a written determination within five school days of the hearing and to provide notice including the basis for the decision, what information will be in the student’s record, and the right to appeal.
• Authorizes the State Board of Education to adopt rules on hearing officer impartiality, factors for determining appropriate discipline, admissible evidence, and other relevant issues.
• Affirms that the act does not infringe on rights under IDEA, Section 504, or the ADA.
• Specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Schools