Bill Protecting Students Heads to Governor's Desk

COLUMBUS—House Bill 206, which permits a school district, community school, or STEM school to expel a student for actions that pose imminent and severe endangerment to the health and well-being of students and school faculty, heads to Governor Mike DeWine's desk. State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) supports this legislation. 

"This legislation protects students and staff safety and helps ensure a safe learning environment for all," said Brenner.

House Bill 206 requires a school superintendent to develop a set of conditions that a student expelled for posing a threat must meet before returning to school the following school year. One of those conditions must be an assessment by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or licensed school psychologist. 

Provisions also included in this legislation are the following:

Data will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce when a student expulsion occurs 
Increased funding for School Choice administration in fiscal year 2025 
Easier access to seizure medication for students in a school setting
An option for qualifying community schools to avoid closure 
"This bill addresses many concerns that have come forward from parents, staff, and administrators in our schools across the Buckeye State. I look forward to these solutions going into effect and making a positive impact on our next generation," said the senator.