SUMMARY: Revises the current legal definition of bullying; provides for the assignment of students who have been bullying; calls for model policies to be provided.

Note: language of this bill added to SB 250.

REQUIREMENTS:

• defines bullying as any intentional written, verbal, or physical act occurring on school property, vehicles or school related functions, or by use of electronic technology that:
  • physically harms another person or damages another person's property
  • substantially interferes with a student's education
  • creates an intimidating or threating educational environment
  • substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school
• authorizes local boards to assign students who have committed bullying actions to a school outside the student's attendance area
• the Department of Education to develop a model policy to include provisions prohibiting bullying, reporting of bullying activities, appropriate investigation, age appropriate consequences, notification of parents, and prohibition of retaliation for reporting bullying 
• immediate notification of law enforcement personnel when a student allegedly commits a physical assault or battery on another student or school employee
  

EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2010