Bill > HB655

This bill, known as the "Missouri Childhood Hero Act", establishes comprehensive antibullying requirements for school districts and charter schools in Missouri. The bill defines bullying broadly as repetitive or potentially repeated aggressive behavior that causes a reasonable student to fear for their safety, interferes with educational performance, or disrupts school operations. It mandates that each school district develop a detailed antibullying policy that includes prohibiting bullying, requiring employees to report bullying incidents within one school day, establishing a reporting procedure, and designating an employee to receive bullying reports. The policy must also outline investigation procedures, with investigations to be completed within ten school days, and require notification of parents when bullying occurs. The bill prohibits retaliation against those reporting bullying and requires schools to provide training for staff, annual notice to students and parents, and educational programs about bullying's harmful effects. Additionally, the bill allows schools to discipline students for cyberbullying that originates on campus or has a sufficient connection to the school environment, and provides legal protections for school employees who intervene in bullying incidents in good faith. The legislation also requires monthly reporting of bullying incidents to the school board and emphasizes creating a safe learning environment that treats all students equally.

Education

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB655&year=2025&code=R