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SF 86

A bill for an act authorizing the boards of directors of school districts to appoint student liaisons to the boards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bisignano and 8 co-sponsors

Bill SF 86 allows school boards to appoint student liaisons, enhancing student representation in governance while limiting their role in sensitive matters like discipline.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Kraayenbrink, and Staed.
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Bill Summary · SF 86

Summary of Bill SF 86

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: SF 86
  • Title: A bill for an act authorizing the boards of directors of school districts to appoint student liaisons to the boards.
  • Status: Currently in subcommittee (Members: Rozenboom, Kraayenbrink, and Staed)
  • Introduced On: January 22, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Education Department, School Boards, School Districts, Students

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 86 is to empower school district boards to appoint student liaisons. This initiative aims to enhance student representation and involvement in school governance, allowing students to have a voice in decisions that affect their educational experience.

Key Provisions

  • Appointment of Student Liaisons:

    • The bill authorizes school district boards to appoint student liaisons to their boards. This role is intended to facilitate communication between students and board members.
  • Limitations on Participation:

    • Student liaisons are prohibited from participating in special meetings of the board.
    • They are also restricted from being involved in board meetings that pertain to employee or student discipline.
    • Access to documents related to employee or student discipline is not permitted for student liaisons.
  • Model Application and Selection Process:

    • The bill mandates the Director of the Department of Education to create and distribute a model application and selection process for the student liaison position. This ensures a standardized approach across school districts.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:
    • Students: The bill directly impacts students by providing them with a formal avenue to express their views and concerns within school governance.
    • School Districts: School boards will need to implement the provisions of the bill, including the appointment process for student liaisons.
    • Department of Education: The department will be responsible for developing the model application and selection process.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was introduced on January 22, 2025, and has been referred to the Education Committee.
    • As of January 28, 2025, the bill is under consideration by a subcommittee.

Conclusion

Bill SF 86 represents a significant step towards increasing student involvement in school governance by allowing for the appointment of student liaisons. While it establishes a framework for student representation, it also sets clear boundaries regarding the scope of their participation, particularly concerning sensitive matters like discipline. The development of a model application process by the Department of Education will help ensure consistency in how student liaisons are selected across various school districts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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