SUMMARY: LC40 0742  LC 33 5972SLC 33 6192S As Passed 

The "End to Cyberbullying Act."  Amends state law related to bullying.

PROVISIONS:

• New language:  The term bullying applies to acts of cyberbullying which occur through the use of electronic communication., whether or not the act originated on school property or with school equipment, IF the electronic communication 
  • is directed specifically at students or school personnel
  • is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school AND
  • creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students' or school personnel's person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose       

• Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to, the definition used by the Federal Communication Commission (any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic, or photo optical system).

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon approval by the Governor or becoming law without his signature.  This Act shall apply to conduct on or after that date; conduct prior to that date shall continue to be governed by prior law.