Kentucky Bill Aims to Expel Students Who Assault Teachers

Published 9:26 am Thursday, March 19, 2026

By Tom Latek/Kentucky Today

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – A Senate bill requiring school boards to expel students who intentionally physically harm teachers has cleared the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee. Senate Bill 101 aims to address rising concerns about teacher safety in Kentucky schools.

Bill Stemmed from Teacher Safety Concerns

Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, stated he developed Senate Bill 101 over the past two years after speaking with a friend who expressed fear for her physical safety at school due to violent students. “I don’t think anybody should fear for their physical safety when they’re going to function, particularly our school teachers who do so much for our communities and young people,” Nunn said.

Nunn reported approximately 5,000 assaults against educators are reported annually in Kentucky. He shared a constituent’s experience of being seriously injured in a student assault – an assault committed by a student who had previously assaulted a pregnant teacher with only a short suspension as a consequence.

Expulsion Requirements Under SB 101

Under SB 101, school boards would be mandated to expel students in grades 6 through 12 for at least 12 months if the student “recklessly, with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or intentionally caused or attempted to cause physical injury to a school district employee on school property or at a school function.”

Committee Support and Next Steps

Rep. David Hale, R-Wellington, voiced his support for the bill, stating the need to prioritize the safety of students who are behaving and their teachers over those causing disruptions. The bill passed the committee with a 14-1 vote and will now be considered by the full House.