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Montana Senate panel hears bill to let teachers temporarily remove disruptive students amid disability-law concerns
Summary
Senate Education Committee heard testimony on SB 138, sponsored by Sen. Russ Tempel, to let teachers temporarily remove disruptive students; proponents cited teacher retention and classroom safety, while Disability Rights Montana and school boards warned the bill may conflict with IDEA/Section 504 and strain small districts.
The Senate Education Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 138, sponsored by Senator Russ Tempel (District 14), a proposal that would explicitly allow teachers to temporarily remove students from the classroom for disruptive behavior and require a return-to-class plan negotiated with school officials.
The sponsor said the bill aims to retain teachers and protect students who want to learn. "Basically, I want teachers to be able to teach those that want to learn," Senator Russ Tempel said, describing instances of abuse and disruption he said have driven educators from the profession.
Supporters told the committee teacher safety and the classroom environment are pressing issues. Kim Popham, director of public policy and research for the…
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