HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	41
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the office of the governor to convene a task force to assess whether state agencies' anti-bullying policies and records of incidences of bullying are properly updated and effectively utilized.

 

 

 

        WHEREAS, all students have the right to fully participate in the educational process free from bullying, including cyberbullying and harassment; and

 

        WHEREAS, a safe and civil environment is necessary for students to learn and meet high academic standards; and

 

        WHEREAS, because of the central role that data collection occupies in virtually every aspect of government decision-making and resource allocation, failure to maintain accurate demographic data brings about very real and dire consequences for youth; and

 

        WHEREAS, there must be an evaluation of the effectiveness of current anti-bullying measures at the district and individual school level; and

 

        WHEREAS, implementing new policies that focus on progressive rather than punitive punishments for students that have committed acts of bullying, cyberbullying, or harassment should be prioritized; and

 

        WHEREAS, the State supports the right for all students, regardless of race, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ancestry, or sexual orientation, to learn in a safe environment free from bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment; now, therefore,

 

        BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2021, that the Office of the Governor is requested to convene a task force to assess whether state agencies' anti-bullying policies and records of incidences of bullying are properly updated and effectively utilized; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Office of the Governor is requested to convene the task force with one representative from the following agencies with experience and expertise in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and pansexual (LGBTQ+)issues:

 

        (1)   Department of Education;

 

        (2)   Department of Human Services;

 

        (3)   Department of Transportation;

 

        (4)   Department of Health;

 

        (5)   State Public Charter School Commission; and

 

        (6)   University of Hawaii; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to invite other individuals with relevant experience and expertise to be members of the task force, including:

 

        (1)   Youth advocates;

 

        (2)   Teachers;

 

        (3)   Youth;

 

        (4)   Direct services providers; and

 

        (5)   Parents and legal guardians; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to develop model policy related to all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying and harassment; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state agencies with representation on the task force are requested to provide the task force with reports and information recorded on incidences of bullying; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to provide, when possible, recommendations on changes to curricula that are meant to reduce bullying and promote civil conduct through education on the following enumerations:

 

        (1)   Race;

 

        (2)   Gender identity or expression;

 

        (3)   Religion;

 

        (4)   Disability;

 

        (5)   Ancestry; and

 

        (6)   Sexual Orientation; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to consider that students who have committed acts of bullying, cyberbullying, or harassment be given non-punitive disciplinary actions that are meant to address the root causes of bullying, including but not limited to:

 

        (1)   Meeting with parents;

 

        (2)   Reflective writing;

 

        (3)   Counseling;

 

        (4)   Health counseling or intervention;

 

        (5)   Mental health counseling; and

 

        (6)   Participation in skills building and resolution activities; and

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Office of the Governor is requested to appoint all members of the task force no later than thirty days after the last day of the Regular Session of 2021; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve without compensation and shall receive no reimbursement for expenses; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to convene its initial meeting within sixty days after the appointment of the last member of the task force; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Superintendent of Education, Director of Human Services, Director of Transportation, Director of Health, President of the University of Hawaii, Chairperson of the Board of Education, and Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:  

Anti-Bullying Policies; Office of the Governor; State Agencies; Task Force