Senate Bill No. 792 amends the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act by updating the policies related to student discipline and bullying in public schools. The bill mandates that school district boards of education adopt a policy that recognizes the fundamental right of students to take reasonable actions to defend themselves from bullying or threatening behavior. It requires the policy to include statements confirming that students physically attacked may use reasonable force for self-protection, and that witnesses may intervene to protect others. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for a zero-tolerance disciplinary policy against bullying, while also ensuring that students who act in self-defense are not reprimanded if their actions are justified.

The bill also outlines various procedural requirements for school districts, including the need for training for school personnel on bullying prevention and response, and the establishment of a procedure for investigating reported incidents of bullying. It specifies that the policy must be publicized to parents, guardians, and students, and that the school district must involve community representatives in its development. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the State Board of Education will not have the authority to impose disciplinary policies on school districts or to mandate reporting requirements more frequently than once a year. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and an emergency clause is included for immediate implementation upon passage.