ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State lawmakers are weighing how to address a string of assaults against teachers in Minnesota classrooms.

Education chairwoman Rep. Jenifer Loon began a push Tuesday for a measure clarifying teachers' authority to remove students from their classrooms. It would also establish a fund to help pay for medical costs after an incident.

The bill comes after several publicized assaults on teachers in recent months. And it's just the latest proposal at the Legislature.

A Senate bill introduced earlier this year would require schools to expel students who assault a teacher. That measure was met with sharp criticism from education advocates who said it didn't solve underlying issues.

Loon's measure would not mandate how districts respond to assaults on teachers. She says that should be left up to local school districts.

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