Legislative News
Friday, May 05, 2023 09:30 AM

Legislative News 2023 | Volume 10

Dear KASC Members,

 

The statements below summarize the 2023 legislative changes that may impact school councils. The actual bills and all the laws are available from the Legislative Research Commission, www.lrc.ky.gov. New laws take effect June 29, 2023, except bills with an emergency* clause that became effective immediately. The Kentucky Department of Education has issued guidance for bills that have an emergency clause. We expect KDE to issue guidance on other new 2023 school laws within the next month and we will share that information via email.  

 

In this announcement we will share...

  1. Laws that impact SBDM Councils
  2. Laws that are FYI for schools
  3. Other Laws
Read more...
 
Friday, March 31, 2023 02:03 PM

 

Legislative News 2023 | Volume 8

 

 

Dear KASC Members,

March 30 was the final day of the 2023 Regular legislative session and the General Assembly adjourned sine die. This week the legislature had the votes to override all fifteen of the Governor’s vetoes and pass other education related bills.  These new laws will take effect approximately June 29 unless the bill had an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.  

 

*Kentucky is one of only six states with a weak veto power as our General Assembly needs only a simple majority to override a veto.   Most states need a two-thirds legislative vote to override a governor’s veto.

 

The Kentucky Department of Education is currently working on guidance for schools regarding how to address these new laws that take effect immediately. Additionally, local school boards and school councils will need to revise policies to conform with some of the new education laws. 

 

SB 5 is a new law related to review of challenged instructional materials and requires KDE to create a model policy by May 1 and local school boards to update their policy consistent with this law by July 1.   

 

 

The public school portions of SB 150 take effect immediately and is often referred to as the “parent’s rights bill," “don’t say gay bill," or the “bathroom bill.”   This law requires each local board of education to adopt policies to restrict students from using restrooms and locker rooms that are reserved for students of a different biological sex and to provide a reasonable accommodation.  SB 150 also restricts curriculum on human sexuality, so expect your superintendent to be amending current curriculum. (Remember amendments to curriculum must have consultation with the school councils and local school board.)  

 

HB 538, the new discipline law, takes effect in late June and will require amendments to local school board policies, the district code of behavior and discipline and policies adopted by the school council. 

 

Stay tuned--KASC will be sharing information on the implementation of these new laws.  

 

Read more...
 
Friday, March 10, 2023 10:40 AM

Legislative News 2023 | Volume 6

Dear KASC Members,


Only 7 more days in this legislative session ending on March 30 and bills are moving quickly.  Bills must be sent to the Governor by next Thursday, March 16 in order for the House and Senate to override a veto.  

Several Senate education bills passed this week and are heading to the House. (These bills are discussed further in this update.) 

  • SB 156 addresses literacy and creates a new statewide reading research center, passed the Senate and received in the House. 
  • SB 202 school discipline bill allows superintendent to place a student in alternative placement in lieu of expulsion, passed the Senate and received in the House.

These House bills passed and are heading to the Senate:

  • HB 319 teacher shortage bill had several changes this week in committee, has passed the House and heads to the Senate.
  • HB 538 school discipline bill requires a board expel a student for at least 12 months if the student makes threats that pose a danger to students or staff, passed House and received in Senate.
  • HB 470 gender transition bill passed the House with several school related provisions deleted and received in Senate.
  • HB 50 makes school board elections partisan, scheduled for March 9 committee hearing.

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

Read more...
 
Monday, March 06, 2023 03:31 PM

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.

Read more...
 
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