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Florida lawmakers make zero-tolerance more tolerant

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By The Associated Press

Published: May 1, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - School's zero-tolerance policies would be more tolerant if Gov. Charlie Crist signs a bill passed by the Legislature.

Children would no longer would be arrested for insignificant violations such as petty theft, bringing plastic butter knives to school, drawing pictures of guns, throwing an eraser or vandalizing property.

The bill's sponsor, Jacksonville Republican Sen. Stephen Wise, says it would save money and prevent kids from unfairly having criminal records.

It also would require schools that allow corporal punishment to review their policies at public meetings every three years.

The House passed the bill (SB 1540) 119-0 today. It passed the Senate 39-0 two days earlier.

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