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Bill > HB1805


AR HB1805

AR HB1805
To Amend The Definition Of "bullying"; And To Create A Process Whereby A Public School May Conduct Multiple, Simultaneous Investigations Into The Same Allegation Of Bullying Under Certain Circumstances.


summary

Introduced
03/17/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
04/07/2025
Passed
04/15/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/17/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "BULLYING" WITH RESPECT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL ANTIBULLYING POLICIES; TO CREATE A PROCESS WHEREBY A PUBLIC SCHOOL MAY CONDUCT MULTIPLE, SIMULTANEOUS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE SAME ALLEGATION OF BULLYING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill amends Arkansas's definition of "bullying" in public schools and establishes a new process for investigating bullying allegations. The updated definition expands the criteria for what constitutes bullying by requiring that a harmful act: (1) potentially address an attribute of the target, (2) involve an actual or perceived power imbalance, (3) be repeated or likely to be repeated, and (4) cause specific types of harm such as physical damage, substantial interference with education, creating a hostile environment, or disrupting school operations. The bill also introduces provisions allowing schools to investigate bullying incidents using alternative processes if the same facts might violate other state, federal, or regulatory laws, while ensuring that schools still complete their chosen investigation method and maintain compliance with existing legal obligations. This modification provides schools with more flexibility in addressing complex bullying situations while maintaining a comprehensive approach to student safety and educational environment protection.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Notification that HB1805 is now Act 805 (on 04/17/2025)

bill text


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