Committee backs bill to guarantee advisers in certain college disciplinary proceedings

The committee adopted, as amended, H.B. 5426 to require that students at institutions of higher education be allowed an adviser during significant disciplinary proceedings. Chair Slapp said the bill followed powerful public testimony, including from a parent who described the traumatic aftermath of a student's disciplinary process and urged greater support.

Representative Bronco proposed a friendly amendment to strike the statute’s reference to suspensions "for 5 days or more" and instead trigger the adviser requirement when a student is "put on probation," allowing Legislative Commissioners' Office (LCO) counsel to make conforming edits. Representative Haddad described the substitute language as aiming to strike a balance so the protection applies to more serious disciplinary actions without turning routine residence-hall interactions into formal adviser-entitled events; he called the amendment "friendly." The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote.

Multiple members described the testimony as moving and said the bill could prevent escalation of student distress and improve procedural fairness. The committee placed the amended bill on the consent calendar to be voted with other items later in the meeting.