This bill would amend Part 2 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to add to the required annual report on bullying “any actions in which a student was disciplined for bullying or harassment,” to broaden the report to any disciplinary action, not just placement actions. It would also require information on students by category who are eligible for free and reduced lunches.

It would also replace the current definition of “bullying conduct” to include:

1. Anything that places a student in fear of physical harm;

2. Anything that is based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or any other distinguishing characteristics as defined by the LEA or DOE.

It would replace the current definition of “harassment conduct” to include:

1. Any conduct interfering with students’ participation in or benefit from school that the student sees as severe, persistent, or pervasive;

2. Anything that is based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or any other distinguishing characteristics as defined by the LEA or DOE.

3. Association with a person or group with any of the above listed characteristics.

It would apply on all school premises, at school functions, and on school-sponsored transportation. In addition, it would apply to electronic technology and communications occurring on school premises, at school functions, on school-sponsored transportation, on school computers or networks or forums or mailing lists.

It adds “state charter school and private school” to the requirement to adopt a policy to prohibit bullying and adds the term “harassment” to the policy requirement. A model policy would be required of DOE. The policy would be required to include a long list of responsible persons, reports, procedures, required responses, publication, data collection and reporting, and professional development. It would require similar contents of the DOE policy and would declare reporters immune from a cause of action or reprisal for filing reports based on school policy. It would allow schools and school systems to require community service for bullying or harassment.