Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Monday passed House Bill 253, sponsored by Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River). HB 253 would require schools to develop behavior standards and safety programs in collaboration with local communities.

HB 253 calls on parents to be actively involved in writing a school's behavior standards. It also permits establishment of discipline practices and procedures for students who do not follow the school's behavior standards and requires district officials to backup teachers who stand by the classroom safety procedures.

"School teachers must be able to maintain civil and safe classrooms," Dyson said. "House Bill 253 does not set any classroom standards. Instead, it calls on local school boards to work cooperatively with parents to develop standards for their schools. Perhaps most importantly, HB 253 protects teachers who lawfully enforce the community's standards from being fired or reprimanded for their actions."

The bill allows most criminal activity in schools, including assault and sexual harassment against students, teachers, or staff, to be dealt with by public safety officials and the court system.

HB 253 passed the House 31-6. Notice of Reconsideration was filed.

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