Senate Bill No. 792 amends the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act by updating the policies related to student discipline and bullying. The bill mandates that school district policies recognize the right of students to take reasonable actions to defend themselves from bullying or threatening behavior. It requires the inclusion of specific statements confirming that students who are physically attacked may use reasonable physical force for self-protection, and that witnesses may intervene to protect others. Additionally, the bill stipulates that schools must not reprimand students who are found to have acted in self-defense during investigations of bullying incidents.

The legislation also emphasizes the importance of a zero-tolerance disciplinary policy, stating that school districts must not adopt such policies that result in automatic disciplinary actions without considering the context of the incident. Furthermore, the bill outlines the necessity for training for school personnel on bullying prevention and response, and it establishes procedures for reporting and investigating bullying incidents. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025, and it includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.