Lawmakers heard arguments today for House Bill 538, a bill that's supposed to give educators more options in dealing with disruptive students in the classroom.

Our Casey Parker bill has more on that and a bill that would let teachers express their religious beliefs.

I'm sure you guys have are much like me.

You're getting calls, if not daily, weekly, from educators concerned with their safety of not only their selves, but also students in the classroom.

The bill, giving teachers more flexibility with school discipline passed committee this morning.

House Bill 538 allows teachers to remove students from their class and allows principals to remove them permanently.

Discipline Students would use alternative forms of education like virtual learning.

As a principal.

I know that virtual is not as good of an option as in-person.

I understand that.

But I also understand that a student who has been chronically disruptive or abusive or harassing teachers or other students is also not need to be in the classroom.

McKee Representative Tim Truet says the bill could also deter students from disrupting class.

House Bill 538 can now be heard by the full Senate.

The Senate Education Committee also passed a bill that the sponsor says is meant to protect religious freedoms for school teachers and staff.

What's the intent behind you bringing it?

We don't we don't have that problem in Kentucky now.

Because of people from the outside of Kentucky writing letters and trying to stop teachers and faculty from expressing their religious beliefs that it has created a fear inside our school systems.

The bill's sponsor, Chambers, represent Chris Fugate, says the bill was influenced by the United States Supreme Court decision on a former football coach, his right to pray on the school field after games.

But the ACLU of Kentucky says House Bill 547 could lead to legal challenges.

Teachers are government employees paid to speak on behalf of the government and convey its message.

This bill, as written, is likely unconstitutional.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm K.C.

Parker.

Bill.

House Bills 538 and 547 can now be heard by the full Senate.