Bill > SB0223

This bill amends Utah's public education code to provide more comprehensive and nuanced definitions of bullying, distinguishing between "student bullying" and "staff bullying". The bill clarifies that bullying involves intentional, repeated acts or a single egregious act that creates a hostile environment and interferes with educational performance, while explicitly excluding ordinary teasing, horseplay, peer conflicts, and reasonable behavior correction by school employees. The legislation requires the State Board of Education to create a model policy on bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, and retaliation, and mandates that local education agency (LEA) governing boards annually report on their policies, employee training, and demographics of bullying incidents, while maintaining student privacy protections. Additionally, the bill updates definitions across several sections of Utah's education code to ensure consistency in how bullying is understood and addressed in public schools. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, giving schools and districts time to prepare for the new definitions and reporting requirements.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0223.html