Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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SUMMARY: LC 33 5772 Amends current law related to bullying.
REQUIREMENTS: Adds these provisions to the current law on bullying:
- requires annual reporting to DOE of actions in which a student was disciplined for bullying
- adds these definitions:
- bullying/harassment
- conduct by a student or employee that adversely affects the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the school's educational programs or activities
- conduct based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, religion
- applies to school premises, school-sponsored functions, and on school-sponsored transportation
- applies to student and employee usage of electronic technology and electronic communications on school premises, at school-sponsored functions, school-sponsored transportation and school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists
- applies to students in grades K-12 and all employees of the school
- adds additional provisions to the board policy required by the current law, including
- requires designation of one person in the school system as the primary contact regarding bullying/harassment
- applies to charter and private schools
- additional reporting requirements and procedures for investigation of complaints
- ways a school will respond to incidents
- allows anonymous reporting
- requires professional development in the identification, prevention, and resolution of bullying/harassment incidents
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon approval of the General Assembly and Governor.
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