The state House preliminarily approved a bill that would block school districts, charters and administrators from discouraging teachers from submitting student disciplinary referrals.

It would allow teachers to report any violations to the Arizona Department of Education. Schools would have to show they took action in at least 75% of referrals or face a drop in letter grade.

Opposing Democrats, such as Rep. Nancy Gutierrez say the bill amounts to state overreach. 

"It should be a school board issue, not a state House of Representatives issue, this is not what we do here," Gutierrez said. 

The measure needs a final vote in the House before being sent back to the Senate with amendments.