Bill > HB736

This bill comprehensively updates Georgia's educational policies on bullying and cyberbullying by expanding and clarifying definitions, strengthening prevention measures, and establishing more robust reporting and response protocols. The legislation broadens the definition of bullying to include acts targeting students based on various characteristics like race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability, and explicitly covers both physical and electronic forms of bullying. Key provisions include requiring local school boards to adopt anti-bullying policies by July 2026, mandating that students who commit bullying three times in a school year be assigned to alternative schools, and establishing notification procedures for parents when bullying incidents occur. The bill also requires the Department of Education to develop a model anti-bullying policy, create lists of training programs and counseling services, and ensure schools have procedures for investigating and addressing bullying incidents. Additionally, the legislation introduces requirements for progressive discipline, emphasizes protection of bullying victims, mandates annual prevention programs and employee training, and requires schools to document and report bullying incidents. The bill aims to create a more comprehensive and proactive approach to preventing and addressing bullying in Georgia's schools, with a focus on supporting both students who bully and those who are bullied.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71189