Suspensions and expulsions: off-campus acts: model policy.

Assembly Member Lowenthal's proposal to address off-campus student misconduct would establish California's first statewide framework for school responses to bullying and harassment that occurs outside school hours. The legislation directs the State Department of Education to develop a model policy by June 2026 for addressing severe or pervasive acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and intimidation that create hostile educational environments, even when occurring off campus.

The model policy would apply to schools serving grades 4-12 and may incorporate existing approaches such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, restorative justice, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavioral interventions. Local educational agencies, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, would need to adopt the state's model policy by July 2027 and distribute it to all credentialed staff, enrolled students, and parents or guardians.

The measure includes provisions for state reimbursement of local implementation costs if determined necessary by the Commission on State Mandates. Currently, California law permits suspension or expulsion for misconduct related to school activities, including travel to and from campus, but lacks specific guidance on addressing harmful off-campus behavior that impacts the school environment.