SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could ban schools from expelling students in kindergarten through second grade.

Sponsors said early exclusion from school can trigger a domino effect of negative interactions between schools and families.

This plan also states that schools cannot suspend Pre-K through second graders without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the superintendent.

"For suspensions longer than three days, the suspension cannot be longer than the number of days it would take for a school district to review, amend, develop or implement a behavior intervention plan or safety plan," said Rep. Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest). 

House Bill 3772 passed out of the House on a partisan vote during the final days of session. Senate Democrats approved the change over a year ago. 

"Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). "We're continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school."

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