SB 164 (Senators Jones, Henson, Harbison, Seay, and Davenport - D)

This bill adds a new Code section, 20-2-741 which encourages Local boards of education to implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) initiatives in their schools, particularly in their "high needs schools".  High needs schools are defined in the bill as public schools which have received a school climate rating of 1-star or 2-stars.

The bill authorizes the State Board of Education, subject to appropriations from the General Assembly to provide funds to local school systems to support PBIS and RTI programs and authorizes the State Board to establish rules and regulartions for PBIS and RTI programs which receive such state funding.