Bill > AB772

This bill addresses cyberbullying by requiring the California Department of Education to develop a model policy for addressing cyberbullying that occurs outside of school hours and off campus by June 30, 2026. The policy will provide guidance for local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools) serving students in grades 4-12 on how to handle cyberbullying incidents that are severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating or hostile educational environment. The department is encouraged to consult stakeholders and may use existing frameworks like Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which includes restorative justice and social-emotional learning practices, to help develop the policy. By July 1, 2027, each local educational agency must adopt either the state's model policy or a locally developed policy with stakeholder input, and must publish this policy on their websites. Importantly, the bill clarifies that local agencies are authorized but not required to address off-campus cyberbullying incidents and are not liable for failing to do so. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill imposes additional costs on local agencies, the state will provide reimbursement for those expenses.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB772