This bill, HB 131, amends existing laws concerning bullying and cyberbullying prevention in schools by enhancing reporting requirements and establishing a comprehensive policy framework for school districts. It mandates the Department of Education to include specific data points in its annual report, such as the number of waivers granted for parental notification and investigation extensions, as well as out-of-state cyberbullying cases. The bill also requires that anti-bullying procedures be included in student handbooks, ensuring that victims receive written information about their rights and available support services. Key provisions include a written policy prohibiting bullying and cyberbullying, timely notification to parents, a structured investigation process, and the involvement of various stakeholders in policy development.

Additionally, the bill repeals and reenacts RSA 193-F:4, establishing new definitions and procedures for reporting incidents of bullying, while also introducing penalties for educators who fail to comply with reporting requirements or retaliate against reporters. It includes a prospective repeal of RSA 193-F:4, V, which required schools to report on the integration of anti-bullying policies into the curriculum, and it also repeals RSA 193-F:3, I(b), which defined bullying, with the repeal taking effect on January 1, 2027. The remaining provisions of the act will take effect 30 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a
As Amended by the House: 193-F:6, 193-F:9, 193-F:4, 193-F:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 193-F:6, 193-F:4, 193-F:3