EXCLUSIONARY PRACTICES ACT

SB 147, the Exclusionary Practices Act, prohibits early childhood programs (like pre-K and licensed childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years) from expelling or suspending children for behavioral or disciplinary reasons. Exceptions allow suspensions only if a child causes bodily injury to others (not in self-defense), limited to three school days per incident. The bill requires programs to report any suspensions or expulsions to the early childhood department and bans "soft expulsions" - practices making programs unwelcoming to force parental withdrawal. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns with federal disability laws for children with individualized education plans.