FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A new Kentucky law aimed at protecting teachers and school staff from student violence was signed Wednesday, requiring strict consequences for students who commit assaults in schools.
Senate Bill 101, introduced earlier this year, requires school boards to expel students for at least 12 months if they intentionally cause physical harm to teachers or school employees.
“This is a major win for our teachers and school employees,” said bill sponsor Matt Nunn (R-Sadieville). “Every educator deserves to feel safe when they walk into a classroom.”
The final version of the law also expands reporting requirements to include attempted assaults and significant property damage, while strengthening how school districts track and document incidents, according to a Capitol news release.
Lawmakers said they designed the measure to balance accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation. The law allows school districts to provide intervention services for expelled students who are not considered ongoing safety threats, including evaluation and treatment through state or community agencies.
“We worked hard to make sure this policy is firm, but fair,” Nunn said. “This law protects staff while also ensuring students still have access to education and a path forward.”
Under the law, students may be eligible to return to the classroom after 26 weeks if they meet strict conditions, including completing community service, maintaining academic progress, and receiving unanimous approval from a review panel that includes the victim and school leadership.
The legislation was among lawmakers’ top priorities this session and takes effect as part of broader efforts to improve school safety across the state.
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