LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature passed an education bill Friday that would allow suspending the youngest students at a school if they exhibit violence that hurts or could hurt someone, a provision that Gov. Jim Pillen positioned as a leading priority in this session.

LB653 from State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil is to set requirements meant to help students with individualized education programs participate in option enrollment. The bill also strives to increase transparency of the option system. But the part of the proposal allowing the suspension of students in Kindergarten through second grade was the subject of almost all discussion over three rounds of debate. Lawmakers from more rural parts of the state noted many schools they represent don't have the staff or space for in-school alternatives.

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