Kentucky Senate Advances Classroom Safety Measure

The Kentucky Senate has approved Senate Bill 101, a measure sponsored by Sen. Matt Nunn, aimed at strengthening protections for teachers and school employees while restoring order and consistency in classroom discipline. The bill now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure responds to growing concerns from educators and administrators about safety in schools and the need for clearer standards when serious incidents occur. The bill passed after more than a year of stakeholder engagement involving teachers, school leaders, law enforcement, and youth advocates.

A Focus on Safe, Orderly Classrooms

Following the Senate vote, Nunn described the bill as a practical approach to a problem educators face daily. “A safe classroom is the foundation for learning,” he said, emphasizing that teachers and school employees should not have to worry about being assaulted while doing their jobs. The proposal is designed to provide clearer expectations for how schools report and respond to violent incidents, while maintaining transparency and accountability across districts.

At its core, SB 101 seeks to reinforce the idea that protecting school staff also protects students. The bill extends protections to everyone who works in and around schools, including teachers, custodial staff, and bus drivers, reflecting the reality that safety concerns reach beyond the classroom itself.

Clear Reporting and Accountability Standards

One of the central components of SB 101 is a requirement that schools report assaults and attempted assaults against teachers and school employees. The bill establishes clearer accountability when reporting requirements are not followed, addressing concerns that serious incidents can be inconsistently documented or handled across districts.

By standardizing reporting expectations, supporters argue the measure will help ensure incidents are addressed appropriately and transparently, while also providing clearer data for policymakers and school leaders as they evaluate safety trends and needs across the state.

Consequences Balanced With Student Needs

The legislation also establishes a 12-month expulsion requirement for students in grades six through twelve who intentionally assault school personnel without just cause or provocation. At the same time, the bill includes important clarifications and protections, including exceptions for students with special needs.

These provisions reflect revisions made following feedback from educators, administrators, and youth advocates. The bill preserves due process protections for students and includes pathways for alternative educational placements, ensuring that disciplinary action does not result in a complete loss of access to educational services. Supporters of the bill say this balance is key to maintaining both safety and fairness in school discipline policies.

Shaped by a Year of Input

Nunn noted that SB 101 is the product of extensive conversations with those who work closest to the issue. He said the bill was refined over time to ensure it is workable for schools while remaining focused on classroom safety. The revisions aim to provide schools with clearer authority to act when serious incidents occur, while also ensuring policies remain thoughtful about students’ individual circumstances.

As SB 101 moves to the House, the debate is expected to continue around how best to support educators while maintaining appropriate disciplinary frameworks for students. The bill’s supporters argue that safe classrooms are foundational to learning and that clear, consistent standards are essential for protecting both staff and students across Kentucky’s schools.