SB181 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to K-12 public education; to amend Section 16-1-14, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide legislative findings; to provide a uniform system of procedural due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion for violating the student code of conduct or state law; and to require the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement this act.

Summary

SB181 would create a uniform statewide system of procedural due process protections for student suspensions and expulsions in Alabama K-12 public schools and require implementing rules by the State Board of Education.

What This Bill Does

SB181 establishes a uniform statewide system of due process protections for suspensions and expulsions for violations of the student code of conduct or state law. It defines expulsion and long-term suspension with specified duration ranges. It requires local boards to adopt discipline rules approved by the State Board and to follow uniform hearing and decision processes for long-term suspensions or expulsions. It also restricts suspensions for some younger students and for truancy or tardiness, and ensures notice, representation, evidence access, and timely written decisions.

Who It Affects

• Students in Alabama public schools facing suspension or expulsion (and their parents/guardians) would gain uniform due process protections and clearer rights.
• Local boards of education and the State Board of Education would implement and regulate the new procedures, including adoption and approval of rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines expulsion as removal from the regular school environment for a disciplinary period within a defined long duration (90-180 days) and long-term suspension as a shorter but still extended period (10-89 days).
• Requires local boards to adopt rules and regulations on behavior and discipline, with those rules approved by the State Board of Education.
• Limits suspensions/expulsions for pre-K through 5th grade to last-resort situations (safety endangerment or substantial property damage) and prohibits suspensions/expulsions for truancy or tardiness at any grade level.
• Requires a formal disciplinary hearing process for long-term suspension or expulsion, including notice, witnesses, the right to counsel or advocacy, access to evidence, opportunity to present a defense, and a written decision within five school days after the hearing.
• The State Board must adopt rules addressing factors to consider in determining appropriate discipline (intent, culpability, extenuating circumstances, impact on the school environment) and other relevant issues, while protecting rights under federal law (IDEA, FERPA, 504).
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.