COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio House of Representatives has passed and sent to the Senate; a bill that would give school districts more authority to expel students who pose a threat to others.

The legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), empowers school boards to establish policies allowing superintendents to expel students for up to 180 days if they are deemed an “imminent and severe danger” to other students and staff.

Behaviors covered by the bill include bringing a firearm or dangerous weapon to school property or school-sponsored events; committing a serious crime on school grounds: making bomb threats; and issuing specific threats of violence, such as through a hit list or social media post.

After the initial expulsion period, students must undergo a mental health assessment and meet certain conditions before being reinstated. Superintendents can extend expulsions for additional 90-day periods if necessary.

The bill is intended to provide school districts with additional tools to address serious student misconduct and create safer learning environments, according to statement from Blasdel's office.

The lobbying group Honesty for Ohio Education opposes the legislation saying it imposes harmful expulsion policies that may target and profile vulnerable, marginalized students.