HB 4653

relating to the discipline of public school students who engage in
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 37.001, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows:
(b-2)  The conditions described by Subsections (a)(2) and
(3) must provide that a student may not be expelled or removed to a
disciplinary alternative education program for a minor violation of
the student code of conduct, including insubordination, disruption
to the classroom, the use of offensive or profane language, or a
violation related to attendance, dress, or grooming.
SECTION 2.  Section 37.002(c), Education Code, is amended to
(c)  If a teacher removes a student from class under
Subsection (b), the principal may place the student into another
appropriate classroom or [,] into in-school suspension [, or into a
disciplinary alternative education program as provided by Section
37.008].  The principal may not return the student to that teacher's
class without the teacher's consent unless the committee
established under Section 37.003 determines that such placement is
the best or only alternative available.  The terms of the removal
may prohibit the student from attending or participating in
school-sponsored or school-related activity.
SECTION 3.  This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.