WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 80

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Helena Hayes

Bill HF 80 protects students and staff in schools from discipline for using legal names or not using specific pronouns, ensuring their rights are upheld in educational settings.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#charterschools #forms #names #recordsandpublications #schooldistricts #schools #students #teachers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 80

Summary of Bill HF 80

Bill Number: HF 80
Introduced On: January 16, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Charter Schools, School Districts, Students, Teachers, Records and Publications

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 80 aims to protect the rights of employees, contractors, and students within school districts and charter schools regarding the use of legal names and personal pronouns. The legislation seeks to prohibit disciplinary actions against these individuals for using their legal names as listed in school registration forms or records, as well as for not using specific personal pronouns in official communications.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  • Prohibition of Disciplinary Actions: School districts and charter schools are barred from taking any disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for:

    • Using legal names as per school records.
    • Failing to use personal pronouns in official communications.

  • Definition of Disciplinary Action: The bill defines "disciplinary action" to encompass a range of punitive measures, including:

    • Termination of employment or contracts.
    • Suspension from employment or contracts.
    • Demotion.
    • Expulsion or suspension from school.
    • Detention.
    • Financial penalties.
    • Written or verbal reprimands.

  • Civil Penalties: The bill stipulates that individuals who experience disciplinary actions in violation of this law may seek civil remedies, including:

    • Compensation not exceeding three times the aggrieved employee’s annual wages and benefits.
    • Other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court, including attorney fees and costs.
    • Availability of injunctive relief.

Who Would Be Affected

This bill would impact:
- Employees and Contractors: Those working within school districts and charter schools who may face disciplinary actions for name and pronoun usage.
- Students: Individuals enrolled in these educational institutions who may be penalized for similar reasons.
- School Districts and Charter Schools: These entities would need to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new regulations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • The bill was introduced and referred to the Education Committee on January 16, 2025.
    • A subcommittee meeting took place on January 23, 2025, with members Hayes, Matson, and Stone.
    • The subcommittee recommended passage on January 28, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of Bill HF 80, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on the educational community. The bill reflects a significant shift in how schools may handle issues related to names and pronouns, emphasizing the protection of individual rights within educational settings.

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

Sign in to ask a question.