This bill amends the existing anti-bullying policy requirements for public schools in New Jersey. It mandates that school principals make a preliminary determination regarding reported incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying before initiating a full investigation. To assist in this determination, principals are required to meet separately with the parents or guardians of each student involved within seven days of notifying them of the incident. Additionally, the bill extends the timeline for completing investigations from the current requirement of 10 days to a new maximum of 30 days, allowing for a more thorough process.

The bill also reinforces the existing framework for reporting and addressing bullying incidents, ensuring that all acts are reported to the principal on the same day they are witnessed or reported. The principal must inform parents of the involved students and may discuss available counseling and intervention services. By incorporating these changes, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of anti-bullying policies in schools, ensuring that all parties are adequately involved in the process and that investigations are conducted in a timely and comprehensive manner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:37-15