SB165 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Public K-12 education, creates uniform process for suspension and expulsion of public school students, requires disciplinary hearing following long-term suspension or expulsion, State Board of Education required to adopt rules

Summary

SB165 would create a uniform statewide due-process system for suspensions and expulsions in Alabama public schools and require rules and hearings to implement it.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a uniform statewide system of procedural due process protections for students facing suspension or expulsion for violating the student code of conduct or state law. Local boards must adopt discipline rules consistent with this act, with the State Board of Education approving those rules and overseeing implementation. The bill outlines hearing and notice requirements for long-term suspensions or expulsions, including opportunities for representation, review of evidence, and a written decision within set timelines, along with factors to guide disciplinary decisions. It preserves students' rights under federal laws (IDEA, FERPA, ADA) and takes effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Students facing long-term suspension or expulsion would be subject to a uniform statewide due-process system, including hearings, notices, and written decisions.
• Parents or guardians of these students would receive notice, have rights to participate and review evidence, and be able to be represented at hearings.

Key Provisions

• Creates a uniform statewide system of procedural due process protections for suspensions and expulsions.
• Local boards must adopt rules and regulations on behavior and discipline, approved by the State Board of Education.
• Limits on discipline for younger students (under 12) and prohibitions on suspending/expelling for truancy, tardiness, or certain code/state-law violations, with exceptions as a last resort.
• Requires a disciplinary hearing before a local board or designee, with notice, time/place, rights, potential waiver, and opportunity for representation.
• Hearing timeline: hearing within 10 school days after initial suspension (with good cause allowing delays) and a written decision within 5 days after the hearing.
• Requires review and disclosure of evidence prior to the hearing and allows defense, witness questioning, and presentation of evidence by both sides.
• The State Board will adopt rules detailing factors to consider for long-term suspension or expulsion (e.g., intent, culpability, extenuating circumstances, impact).
• Protects rights under IDEA, FERPA, and ADA; does not infringe on these rights.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Education