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HB 7029 — Code of Student Conduct
by K-12 Subcommittee; and Rep. Baxley and others (SB 1060 by Senator Evers)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill clarifies that students should not be disciplined for simulating a firearm or weapon while playing or wearing clothing or accessories which depict a firearm or weapon or expressing an opinion regarding Second Amendment rights. The bill defines simulating a firearm or weapon while playing to include:
- Brandishing a partially consumed pastry or other food item to simulate a firearm or weapon;
- Possessing a toy firearm or weapon which is two inches or less in overall length;
- Possessing a toy firearm or weapon made of plastic snap-together building blocks;
- Using a finger or hand to simulate a firearm or weapon;
- Vocalizing sounds of an imaginary firearm or weapon;
- Drawing a picture of, or possessing an image of, a firearm or weapon; or
- Using a pencil, pen, or other writing or drawing utensil to simulate a firearm or weapon.
The bill preserves school board authority to discipline students when simulating a firearm or weapon substantially disrupts student learning, causes bodily harm to another person, or places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm. Consequences imposed upon a student must be proportionate to the severity of the infraction and consistent with school board policies for similar infractions.
Disciplinary actions involving student clothing or accessories must be addressed according to the statutorily prescribed interventions for dress code violations, unless wearing the clothing item or accessory causes a substantial disruption to student learning. If it does, the infraction may be addressed in a manner that is consistent with school board policies for similar infractions.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 32-6; House 98-17