The bill H.615 aims to enhance the protection of political expression and civil rights within Vermont's educational institutions. It mandates the Agency of Education to create guidance and training for school districts to differentiate between protected political expression and unlawful harassment, particularly concerning antisemitism and other forms of bias. Additionally, the bill proposes to expand the Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Prevention Advisory Council by including various stakeholders, such as civil liberties experts and community leaders, to ensure a comprehensive approach to these issues.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement for the Agency of Education to develop a freedom of expression curriculum for public elementary and secondary schools. This curriculum will provide students with foundational knowledge of the First Amendment and Vermont's constitutional protections, enabling them to distinguish between political advocacy and bias-based harassment. The implementation of this curriculum is set to begin in the 2027-2028 school year, with a deadline for development by January 1, 2027. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-570