LR 466

LR466  LR466
2026  2026
                            ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
                                        SECOND SESSION
                  LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 466
Introduced by McKinney, 11.
PURPOSE:     The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine    the   prevalence,     causes,    and     impacts    of    suspensions     and     other
exclusionary discipline practices affecting elementary school students, and to
identify the resources, policies, and supports necessary to reduce or eliminate
such practices.
    This study shall include, but not be limited to, an examination of:
    (1) Current state and local policies governing suspensions and expulsions
for students in elementary school;
    (2) The frequency, demographic breakdown, and geographic distribution of
such disciplinary actions;
    (3) The short-term and long-term impacts of early exclusionary discipline
on student outcomes, including academic achievement, behavioral development,
and involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems;
    (4)    The    availability    and    effectiveness        of    alternative     disciplinary
approaches, including restorative practices, behavioral interventions, trauma-
informed care, and school-based mental health supports;
    (5) The capacity of school districts, educators, and support staff to
implement developmentally appropriate behavioral interventions;
    (6) What school districts are doing to address the needs of students that
may be suspended;
    (7) Workforce needs related to this issue, including access to school
psychologists,    social   workers,      behavioral    specialists,       and     other    support
personnel;
    (8) Funding structures and resource gaps at the state and local levels;
    (9) Best practices from other states that have limited or prohibited
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LR466  LR466
2026  2026
suspensions in early elementary grades; and
    (10)   The    feasibility   of   establishing   statewide   standards,   funding
mechanisms, and accountability measures to support schools in reducing reliance
on exclusionary discipline for students while maintaining safe and supportive
learning environments.
    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
    1. That the Education Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to
conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
    2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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