The bill establishes a new process for individuals who report bullying in schools to request an independent review of the school's handling of their complaint. Specifically, if a person believes that a school administrator did not properly investigate a bullying complaint, is dissatisfied with the outcome, or feels that the school's response was inadequate, they can submit a written request to the school district's superintendent. The superintendent is then required to inform the board of education, which may either conduct its own review or initiate an independent review by a neutral party. The independent review will involve interviews and a review of relevant materials to ensure a thorough examination of the case.

Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions and requirements related to bullying in schools. It clarifies the definition of "bullying" to include various forms of intimidation and harassment, including cyberbullying, and mandates that each school district's board of education adopt policies to prohibit bullying and implement plans to address it. The bill also includes provisions for the training and education of staff and students regarding bullying. Notably, it removes certain references to previous statutes, streamlining the legal framework surrounding bullying in schools.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 72-6147, 38-2223, 38-2226
As introduced: 72-6147, 38-2223, 38-2226