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SB 2524

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS -- STUDENT AND TEACHER CLASSROOM SAFETY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 6 co-sponsors

Allows teachers to remove chronically disruptive or threatening students with formal return plans, district policies, and annual data reporting to protect learning and safety.

05/29/2026 Referred to House Education
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2524

Summary of SB 2524 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

SB 2524 establishes a framework for student and teacher safety in Rhode Island classrooms. It authorizes teachers to remove disruptive students from the classroom under defined conditions, outlines the administrative process and protections for students and staff, and requires districts to adopt policies and report data on removals. The bill aims to balance the right of students to a safe, conducive learning environment with protections for students with disabilities and safeguards for educators.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 16-21-44(a))

    • Disruptive behavior: Conduct that materially interferes with a teacher’s ability to supervise, instruct, or maintain order, or hinders learning.
    • Chronically disruptive student: A student who, on three or more documented occasions during a term, engages in behavior that severely impairs learning or threatens others.
    • Removal: Temporary transfer of a student from the classroom to the principal’s office or an alternative setting where education and behavioral support continue.
    • Return-to-classroom plan: A written plan created by the principal or designee with input from the teacher and other school staff to support the student’s safe return.
    • Immediate threat: Behavior posing imminent danger to safety.

  • Authority to remove a student (Section 16-21-44(b))

    • A teacher may remove a student if the student is chronically disruptive despite interventions, or if the student commits an act posing an immediate threat.
    • Removal not allowed for minor, non-disruptive behavior (e.g., tardiness); removals must align with the district’s discipline code (16-21-21).
    • Removal must be documented using district procedures, with notice to the principal or designee by end of the school day.

  • Administrative response (Section 16-21-44(c))

    • The principal or designee must review the incident within one school day and notify the student’s parent/guardian within 24 hours.
    • The student may not return to the original classroom until:
    • A return-to-classroom plan addressing behavior expectations and supports is developed, and
    • The classroom teacher is consulted.
    • If the teacher objects to the return plan, a review committee is convened (administrator, a certified teacher not involved in the incident, and a counselor/behavior specialist/school psychologist) to determine whether the student returns or is placed in an alternative setting, with documented findings.

  • Student protections (Section 16-21-44(d))

    • If removal leads to suspension, applicable suspension provisions (16-2-17) apply.
    • Students with disabilities receive all rights and protections under IDEA and Section 504, and related state regulations.

  • School district responsibilities (Section 16-21-44(e))

    • Each district must adopt policies consistent with the act no later than October 1, 2026.
    • Districts must annually report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE):
    • The number of removals to the principal’s office or alternative settings, return-to-classroom plans, and related data.
    • Data disaggregated by race, gender, grade level, and disability status.

  • Protections for educators and staff (Section 16-21-44(f))

    • Teachers and staff acting in good faith and in accordance with the act are shielded from disciplinary action or retaliation.
    • The act does not supersede rights under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

  • Effective date (Section 2)

    • Takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Public school students (including those who are chronically disruptive or pose immediate threats).
  • Classroom teachers and other instructional staff.
  • School principals and designees involved in behavior management decisions.
  • School districts and the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).
  • Students with disabilities, who retain IDEA/Section 504 protections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Districts must adopt policies by October 1, 2026.
  • Removals and returns are subject to documented procedures and expedited reviews:
    • Incident review within one school day.
    • Parent/guardian notified within 24 hours.
    • Return-to-classroom plan developed before return; teacher consultation required.
    • Optional review committee if a return plan is contested.
  • Annual reporting to RIDE with disaggregated data on removals and related outcomes.

Potential impact

  • Provides a formal framework for removing students from classrooms while ensuring timely administrative oversight and parental communication.
  • Emphasizes data collection and transparency through annual district reporting (with demographic breakdowns).
  • Strengthens protections for educators acting in good faith and supports for students with disabilities.
  • Establishes timelines to minimize prolonged classroom disruption and to support safe reintegration of students.

Note: The act is scheduled for a hearing/consideration in May 2026.

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

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