The bill gives several examples of what would constitute “imminent and severe endangerment” from a student, including possessing a knife or firearm at school; committing an act of violence at school that, if committed by an adult, would be considered a criminal act; making a bomb threat; or making threats, including hit lists, social media posts or “threatening manifestos.”
“With school shootings including one that occurred this week, this bill is needed now more than ever,” Senate Education Committee Chairman Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, said Wednesday.
In response to Democratic concern that the bill’s harsh punishments may be overused, specifically against students of color, H.B. 206 was amended early Wednesday to require public schools to track demographic data on expulsions and report it to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Another late amendment allowed the state to use another $4 million for the administration of its school choice program, which Brenner told reporters was necessary due to an onslaught of lawsuits lodged against the state for its universal school voucher program.
Ultimately, the bill received unanimous Republican support, split Democratic support in the House and unanimous Democratic opposition in the Senate.
