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).