Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands penalties for bullying and specifies schools' responsibilities with regard to bullying.

Highlights:

• Defines “bullying” as any written, verbal, or physical act or electronic communication that is intended to harm one or more students by doing any of the following (Sec. 1):
• “Substantially interfering” with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more students;
• “Adversely affecting” the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing the pupil in “reasonable” fear of physical harm or by causing “substantial emotional distress;"
• Having an "actual and substantial detrimental effect" on a student's health; or
• Causing “substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with," the orderly operation of a school.                                           

• Requires Charter Schools to implement the following procedures (Sec. 2):
• Enforce anti-bullying procedures to prohibit students from harassing and intimidating other students, including bullying through electronic means;
• Provide a statement that declares all students are protected; 
• Establish a procedure to report bullying;
• Establish disciplinary procedures for pupils who admit or are found to have committed acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and 
• Establish procedures designed to protect the health and safety of pupils who are physically or emotionally harmed as a result of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying including contacting medical services or law enforcement agencies.

• Requires school employees and administrators to receive annual training in identifying and responding to bullying (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes parents and students to receive similar training upon parent or guardian approval (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text