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.