Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires additional anti-bullying measures in public schools.

Highlights:

• Prohibits hazing or knowingly permitting hazing when the hazing causes serious physical harm (Sec. 1).

• Defines “hazing” as doing or coercing another to do any act of initiation or act to maintain membership in a student organization that has a substantial risk of mental or physical harm (Sec. 1).

• Classifies hazing or permitting hazing as a fourth degree felony (Sec. 1).

• Requires school boards to develop and provide to schools guidance on best practices for intimidation, harassment, and bullying prevention (Sec. 1).

• Defines “harassment, intimidation, or bullying” as any of the following (Sec. 1):

• Behaviors towards another student or adult staff member that has happened more than once, causes mental or physical harm, and is severe or persistent enough that it creates a threatening environment;

• Violence within a dating relationship; and

• Hazing.

• Requires the state board of education to develop a model policy and to review such policy every 4 years (Sec. 1).

• Requires school boards to adopt disciplinary procedures for retaliation to reports of intimidation, harassment, or bullying (Sec. 1).

• Requires school districts to maintain records of parent notification for each report instance of intimidation, harassment, or bullying (Sec. 1).

• Requires school boards to adopt policies that require disciplinary procedures for harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the following steps (Sec. 1):

• For a first offense, in school suspension of up to 10 days, or out of school suspension if administration determines it more appropriate;

• For a second offense in the same school year, in school suspension of up to 30 days, or out of school suspension or expulsion if administration determines it more appropriate; and

• For a third offense in the same school year, out of school suspension or expulsion for up to 182 days.

• Requires students who are suspended or expelled to complete all assigned school work in order to return to school (Sec. 1).

• Requires that school districts, in cases where a student is suspended or expelled, do all of the following (Sec. 1):

• Allow student to complete all school work;

• Allow student to complete any state assessment in their usual school environment; and

• Prohibit student from participating in extracurricular activities.

• Prohibits superintendents from suspending or expelling a students unless the student’s guardian has been given written notice and the guardian and student have been given the opportunity to appear in person before the superintendent (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes students or their guardians to appeal a disciplinary decision (Sec. 1).

• Requires superintendents to investigate any claims of intimidation, harassment, or bullying by adult staff toward students (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text