Legislative News 2023 | Volume 5

Dear KASC Members,

With just about ten more days to pass bills this legislative session, one of the main bills discussed this week was HB 538 relating to student discipline and providing more options for teachers and school administrators. Proponents of the bill state that schools need more flexibility such as virtual instruction in order to allow teachers to remove a disruptive student.  The discussions included providing for the safety and security of all students and school personnel and also protecting the due process rights of students who are removed from the classroom.  Also addressed were provisions for when students are attending off campus events. On Tuesday, February 28 the bill passed the House Education Committee and heads to the full House for more discussion and a vote.  If the House passes the bill, then the Senate will need to consider HB 538.  Click here to watch archived video of the House Education Committee testimony on HB 538. Today, the Senate Education Committee will hear another student discipline bill SB 202. A summary and link to the bill are provided in the Senate Bills below.  

Another “hot” Education bill, SB 5, has been called a book banning bill but actually extends to challenging to all educational materials.   SB 5 passed the Senate last Friday and has been received in the House.  The bill creates a process for parents to challenge school materials and gives the principal one week to investigate and decide if the material is harmful to minors.  The parents can appeal the principal’s decision to the local school board.  In any case, the parents can request that the school not allow their child to participate or use the materials.   Most schools and school districts currently have instructional materials complaint policies; however, this new law will take precedence if passed.

Remember - The archived video of committee meetings and floor debates can be found on the KET legislative website.