This bill establishes a 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 choose to 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 law regarding the definition of bullying and the responsibilities of school districts. It clarifies that bullying includes various forms of intimidation and harassment, including cyberbullying, and mandates that each school district adopt a policy to prohibit such behavior. The policy must include procedures for independent reviews of school administrator decisions. The bill also repeals a previous section of law related to bullying, streamlining the legal framework governing these issues in Kansas schools.

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