The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish a policy against gender-based bullying in Pennsylvania schools, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates that school entities adopt or amend their existing bullying policies to include specific provisions addressing bullying based on a student's actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The new policy must outline disciplinary consequences for such bullying and include prevention, intervention, and education programs. Additionally, it requires schools to support nonbinary and transgender students during their transitioning periods, ensuring privacy and respect for their stated gender identity and pronouns.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the bullying policy must be included in student handbooks, made publicly accessible online, and prominently posted within school buildings. Schools are required to review their policies every three years and report relevant information to the Department of Education annually. The definition of bullying is expanded to include acts occurring outside of school settings if they meet specific criteria, and the bill provides definitions for terms such as "gender identity or expression," "nonbinary," and "transgender." The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2890 (Feb 05, 2026): P.L.30, No.14