Bill > H3482

This bill aims to improve reporting and tracking of harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents in South Carolina schools by requiring the State Department of Education to develop a standardized reporting form that school districts must use quarterly. The bill mandates that before January 1, 2027, schools will compile detailed information about each incident, including descriptions, whether the incident was reported as a crime, demographic details of both offenders and victims, circumstances of the incident, and actions taken by school administration. School districts must submit quarterly reports to the State Department of Education, with the first report due May 1, 2027, and subsequent reports due 30 days after each quarter's end. The department will then compile an annual report for the General Assembly and forward incident information to the Attorney General. The bill imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, including a $500 fine for each unreported incident for school administrators, potential legal liability, and disciplinary actions. Additionally, the bill requires school employees, students, and volunteers to report harassment, intimidation, or bullying incidents, with penalties for those who fail to do so, such as fines for employees and potential disciplinary actions for students. The overall goal is to create a more transparent and accountable system for addressing school-based harassment and bullying.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3482&session=126&summary=B