(a) "Restorative approaches" defined. --

• (1) In this section, "restorative approaches" means a relationship-focused student discipline model that:

• (i) Is preventive and proactive;

• (ii) Emphasizes building strong relationships and setting clear behavioral expectations that contribute to the well-being of the school community;

• (iii) In response to behavior that violates the clear behavioral expectations that contribute to the well-being of the school community, focuses on accountability for any harm done by the problem behavior; and

• (iv) Addresses ways to repair the relationships affected by the problem behavior with the voluntary participation of an individual who was harmed.

• (2) "Restorative approaches" may include:

• (i) Conflict resolution;

• (ii) Mediation;

• (iii) Peer mediation;

• (iv) Circle processes;

• (v) Restorative conferences;

• (vi) Social emotional learning;

• (vii) Trauma-informed care;

• (viii) Positive behavioral intervention supports; and

• (ix) Rehabilitation.

(b) Corporal punishment prohibited. -- Notwithstanding any bylaw, rule, or regulation made or approved by the State Board, a principal, vice principal, or other employee may not administer corporal punishment to discipline a student in a public school in the State.

(c) Standard of conduct; implementation. -- The State Board shall:

• (1) Establish guidelines that define a State code of discipline for all public schools with Standard of conduct and consequences for violations of the Standard;
• (2) On request, provide technical assistance and training to county boards regarding the use of restorative approaches; and
• (3) Assist each county board with the implementation of the guidelines.

(d) Regulations. --

• (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, each county board shall adopt regulations designed to create and maintain within the schools under its jurisdiction the atmosphere of order and discipline necessary for effective learning.
• (2) The regulations adopted by a county board under this subsection:
• (i) Shall provide for educational and behavioral interventions, restorative approaches, counseling, and student and parent conferencing;
• (ii) Shall provide alternative programs, which may include in-school suspension, suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary measures that are deemed appropriate; and
• (iii) Shall state that the primary purpose of any disciplinary measure is rehabilitative, restorative, and educational.