LEXINGTON, Ky. — Legislation designed to protect teachers and school staff from violent students passed the Kentucky House on Wednesday, advancing a measure that would require stricter disciplinary action and strengthen reporting requirements in schools, according to the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission.

Senate Bill 101, sponsored by Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, would require school boards to expel students in grades 6 through 12 for at least 12 months if the student intentionally or recklessly causes or attempts to cause physical injury to a school district employee on school property or at a school function. The bill passed with overwhelming support, 84-5.

The legislation addresses a significant safety concern in Kentucky schools. Data from the Kentucky Department of Education shows 25,000 incidents of assault against teachers since 2021. Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, who carried the bill in the House, called the figure "unacceptable" and stressed that educators should not fear for their safety while performing their duties.

In addition to mandatory expulsions, the bill strengthens reporting requirements for school personnel. Teachers or staff who fail to report incidents when there is probable cause could face misdemeanor charges, with penalties increasing for repeated failures.

Lawmakers adopted multiple floor amendments to expand the bill's scope. House Floor Amendment 2, filed by Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, expands the bill's language to include school bus stops as locations where misconduct could trigger expulsion, following concerns about incidents occurring outside traditional school property. Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, filed another amendment creating a pathway for expelled students to return to school after 26 weeks if they meet specific conditions, including writing a letter to any injured party, completing 15 hours of community service, and earning a 3.0 GPA.

The bill includes protections for students with disabilities. Rep. Flannery noted that federal law requirements remain in place, ensuring that if a student has an individualized education program and the assault is determined to be a manifestation of their disability, they would be exempted from mandatory expulsion and provided educational services in an alternative setting.

Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the measure's long-term impacts. Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, who initially voted in favor in committee before changing her position, raised questions about teacher accountability and student welfare. Rep. Tina Bojanowski, D-Louisville, said while the bill addresses safety concerns, lawmakers should also consider long-term outcomes and support systems for students removed from school.

The legislation now returns to the Senate for concurrence on the amended version before proceeding to the governor's desk.