California Legislature Considers Bills Prohibiting Expulsions, Suspensions of Drunk or High K-12 Students

The California legislature is considering a proposal that would prohibit schools from expelling or suspending students who are drunk or high or possess illicit drugs or alcohol. The proposal is contained in Assembly Bill 599, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward. The Education Committee unanimously approved AB 599 recently, and the bill will now go to the Appropriations Committee.

The bill argues that students should not be expelled or suspended for drug and alcohol use because “high feelings of school connectedness can decrease drug use.” The intention is to keep students in the school environment to prevent further substance abuse. Ward refers to this approach as a “public health” approach to addressing drug and alcohol use in schools.

The bill would require the California Department of Education to develop a model policy by July 1, 2025, to address the use of illicit drugs on school premises. In addition, local educational agencies would have to create a similar policy and provide resources for education, treatment, and substance abuse support.

The bill also calls for gender-neutral language, replacing the use of “he” or “she” with “the principal” or “the superintendent.”

At a committee hearing, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi asked about the effectiveness of zero-tolerance policies on drugs and alcohol in schools. Although Nora Lynn, the associate director of a public policy organization supporting the bill, did not offer specific measurement criteria, she suggested that zero-tolerance policies impacted youth of color disproportionately. The argument is that suspensions and expulsions for drug infractions ostracize students and reduce school connectedness.

Support for AB 599 came from several statewide organizations, including the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Mental Health America of California, and AspiraNet California Coalition for Youth. Those who signaled support for the bill included the American Lung Association, but no one spoke in opposition during the hearing.

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