Signed by Governor Bev Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits bullying behavior in schools, including bullying motivated by gender identity or sexual orientation, and establishes guidelines for the prevention of such behavior.

Highlights:

-Mandates that any school employee who witnesses bullying on school property, at any school-sponsored event, or on a school bus must report it to the appropriate school official, and states that students or volunteers who witness the same should report it to the appropriate official (Sec. 1). -Requires each school administrative unit to adopt a policy prohibiting bullying by December 31, 2009, including procedures for reporting and investigation of acts of bullying, a definition of bullying and harassment no less inclusive than included in this act, and consequences and remedial action for individuals found to have committed acts of bullying (Sec. 1). -Provides that a local school administrative unit may, if it wishes, establish a definition of bullying or a policy for its prevention more inclusive than that included in this act (Sec. 1). -Provides that a victim of bullying or harassment may pursue redress through any other available civil or criminal law, independently of the provisions of this act (Sec. 1). -Establishes that nothing in this act may be construed to create any protected class, suspect category or preference beyond those already established by law (Sec. 1). -Provides that the act will first become applicable at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits bullying behavior in schools, including bullying motivated by gender identity or sexual orientation, and establishes guidelines for the prevention of such behavior.

Highlights:

-Mandates that any school employee who witnesses bullying on school property, at any school-sponsored event, or on a school bus must report it to the appropriate school official, and states that students or volunteers who witness the same should report it to the appropriate official (Sec. 1). -Requires each school administrative unit to adopt a policy prohibiting bullying by December 31, 2009, including procedures for reporting and investigation of acts of bullying, a definition of bullying and harassment no less inclusive than included in this act, and consequences and remedial action for individuals found to have committed acts of bullying (Sec. 1). -Provides that a local school administrative unit may, if it wishes, establish a definition of bullying or a policy for its prevention more inclusive than that included in this act (Sec. 1). -Provides that a victim of bullying or harassment may pursue redress through any other available civil or criminal law, independently of the provisions of this act (Sec. 1). -Establishes that nothing in this act may be construed to create any protected class, suspect category or preference beyond those already established by law (Sec. 1). -Provides that the act will first become applicable at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text