Committee approves school-discipline bill aimed at protecting teachers, with dissent

The Senate Education Committee approved House Bill 3885 on April 26, a measure that sets a graduated disciplinary approach for third through fifth grades and aims to give administrators tools to address repeated disruptive or assaultive behavior.

Sponsor Senator Hines framed the bill as a response to rising classroom disruptions and said it is intended to restore order and protect educators: "Our teachers are also guaranteed the right not to be assaulted in the class," he said. The bill outlines progressive steps: in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension and, ultimately, expulsion for severe or repeated misconduct.

Opponents raised concerns about students' constitutional right to a free public education and cautioned that the measure’s top-down approach may conflict with evidence-based behavioral interventions used in other countries and districts. Senator Hicks argued the bill "goes against the global best practices" that emphasize mutual respect and restorative approaches.

Supporters, including Senator Pugh, urged colleagues to view the measure as a tool to give administrators clear protocols and to encourage further investment in supports for students. The committee recorded 9 ayes and 1 nay and moved the bill forward.

The bill passed committee with the sponsor agreeing to continued work on language refinements; it now proceeds to the Senate floor.