(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district shall
(1) expel for at least one year a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a firearm, as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921;
(2) suspend for at least 30 days, or expel for the school year or permanently, a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a deadly weapon, other than a firearm as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921.
(b) The administrative officer of a school district may on a case-by-case basis reduce or otherwise modify the expulsion or suspension of a student under (a) of this section.
(c) A prior conviction, or adjudication of delinquency or child in need of aid, for violation of AS 11.61.210(a)(8) is not necessary for a school board to suspend or expel a student under this section.
(d) Each school district shall adopt a policy providing for the
(1) referral to law enforcement authorities of students who violate AS 11.61.210(a)(8);
(2) identification of procedures and conditions for early reinstatement of students suspended or expelled under this section.
(e) Annually on a date set by the department, each school district shall report to the department the number of students expelled under this section and the types of weapons involved.
(f) In this section,
(1) “deadly weapon” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900;
(2) “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990.