(a) A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree if the person

• (8) being a preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school student, knowingly possesses a deadly weapon or a defensive weapon, within the buildings of, on the grounds of, or on the school parking lot of a public or private preschool, elementary, junior high, or secondary school, on a school bus while being transported to or from school or a school-sponsored event, or while participating in a school-sponsored event, except that a student may possess a deadly weapon, other than a firearm as defined under 18 U.S.C. 921, or a defensive weapon if the student has obtained the prior permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or district or the designee of the chief administrative officer for the possession.

(a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district shall

• (1)  expel for at least one year a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a firearm, as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921;
• (2)  suspend for at least 30 days, or expel for the school year or permanently, a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a deadly weapon, other than a firearm as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921. (b)  The administrative officer of a school district may on a case-by-case basis reduce or otherwise modify the expulsion or suspension of a student under (a) of this section. (c)  A prior conviction, or adjudication of delinquency or child in need of aid, for violation of AS 11.61.210(a)(8) is not necessary for a school board to suspend or expel a student under this section. (d)  Each school district shall adopt a policy providing for the
• (1)  referral to law enforcement authorities of students who violate AS 11.61.210(a)(8);
• (2)  identification of procedures and conditions for early reinstatement of students suspended or expelled under this section. (e)  Annually on a date set by the department, each school district shall report to the department the number of students expelled under this section and the types of weapons involved.