AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF TEACHERS GENERALLY

HB 5604 expands the definition of "teacher" to include school nurses, counselors, psychologists, principals, and administrators in public schools. It establishes 19 specific rights for these educators, such as requiring safe school environments free from harassment, prohibiting demands for personal spending on classroom supplies, and guaranteeing academic freedom. The bill also ensures teachers' professional judgment is respected regarding student discipline and grades, and mandates school districts to post summaries of teacher rights online. These provisions apply to all public school staff covered under the expanded definition and would take effect upon passage.