E14 The Bills That Could Push Kids Out of School: Talking HB7 and SB31 with James Gallini скачать в хорошем качестве

E14 The Bills That Could Push Kids Out of School: Talking HB7 and SB31 with James Gallini

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner sit down with special education and civil rights attorney James Gallini of The Gallini Group to unpack two bills moving through the Alabama Legislature. HB7, which has already passed the House, and its Senate companion, SB31. Both bills expand the legal definition of what qualifies as a “terrorist threat,” increase penalties, and require school principals to involve law enforcement when certain conduct is alleged. They also create a minimum one-year suspension tied to a charge, not necessarily a conviction. Gallini explains how broad language like “reasonable perception” can shift discipline decisions inside schools, and why students with disabilities, including those with IEPs and 504 plans, may be especially vulnerable to misinterpretation and over-punishment. He walks through how school discipline and juvenile court proceedings can stack consequences, and why existing special education safeguards do not undo the damage caused by arrest, stigma, or time out of the classroom. We also examine the larger system behind this conversation. The shortage of appropriate placements for students with complex needs. The pressure on schools without regional support programs. And the policy choices that shape how districts respond when behaviors escalate. If you are a parent, educator, or advocate in Alabama, this is a conversation worth hearing. As SB31 continues moving through the Senate, Gallini outlines what families can do now to stay informed and engaged. Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com. 🎧 CONNECT + LISTEN + SUPPORT → Subscribe for investigative breakdowns and new case updates:    / @neelifaulkner   → Listen to my podcast Skeptical: @SkepticalPod → Explore more: https://murdercreekmedia.com ☕ SUPPORT THE INVESTIGATIONS If you believe in this work, you can help keep it going: → $5 donation: https://pay.bluevine.com/p/b2704eacb9... → Join the MCM Email List: https://murdercreekmedia.us12.list-ma... 💼 TOOLS + PARTNERS I RECOMMEND → Refresh.me (track your finances privately): https://get.refresh.me/neelifaulkner → Trainual (organize your business playbook): https://start.trainual.com/6kovm4pgaejl → Proton VPN for Business (secure your digital workspace): https://now.getproton.me/xd3oksxhxzbn → Close (smart CRM for small business owners): https://refer.close.com/whpdrvvrgpjc → BLACKBOX AI (AI coding tools for creators): https://blackboxai.partnerlinks.io/17... → Descript (my go-to editing and transcription tool): https://get.descript.com/3pci2rvzsx9x → Fiverr (hire vetted freelancers for any project): https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/mpokxi...