An Act To Allow Schools To Expel Students For Committing Sexual Assault

Maine LD 2204 requires school boards to adopt policies that mandate the expulsion of any student, regardless of grade level, who is determined to have committed sexual assault on school grounds or property. The bill also requires schools to refer these matters to local law enforcement agencies. While the standard penalty is an expulsion of at least one year, school boards may authorize superintendents to modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the legislation allows principals to immediately suspend students for good cause during the investigation process and ensures that decisions involving students with disabilities comply with federal education laws.