Senate backs bill narrowing IEP readmittance rules and boosting supports for teachers and students

Senator Gruenhagen introduced amendments to SF 24-28 that the Senate adopted to address student behavior and teacher safety. The changes include a pilot project for special-education attendant centers, a mechanism allowing teacher consent for readmitting a removed student, guaranteed leave for teachers injured on the job (three days with additional days with documentation), and access to mental-health professionals upon request to address classroom trauma.

The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment (52-07) that removed a requirement that teachers read a student’s entire individualized education program (IEP) during readmittance and instead requires staff only to read accommodations and modifications relevant to the readmittance decision. Senator Gruenhagen said the change reduces burden while preserving needed protections.

Senator Zimmer and others, drawing on experience in school practice, cautioned that school counselors are not equivalent to licensed mental-health professionals and emphasized the capacity challenges schools face when trying to provide immediate care. He warned that hiring and Medicaid reimbursement issues can limit access, and that districts sometimes used general-fund dollars to supplement services.

Supporters argued the bill protects teachers’ rights to teach and ensures students’ rights to a safe learning environment; Senator Gruenhagen said the measure ‘‘is about teachers’ right to teach and every student’s right to learn in a safe environment.’’ The amendment package was adopted and the Senate concurred in the House amendment; the bill was then read for final passage and passed.

What happens next: The bill, as amended and concurred, moves to the House for any further action and then to the governor if ultimately approved by both chambers.