summary
Introduced
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
In Committee
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Bullying oversight committees and ombudsman. Establishes a state bullying ombudsman (ombudsman) position within the department of education (department). Establishes the duties of the ombudsman. Requires the department to: (1) provide staff and administrative support for the ombudsman; and (2) post the ombudsman's contact information on the department's website. Requires each school corporation to provide the ombudsman's contact information in certain rules, policies, and notices. Requires, with an exception, each school corporation to establish a bullying oversight committee (committee). Establishes the membership, authority, and duties of a committee. Provides that a parent of a targeted student may submit a complaint to the committee if the parent believes that: (1) the school administration failed to investigate a bullying or physical assault incident involving the targeted student; or (2) the resolution of an incident was insufficient or ineffective. Requires the department to adopt and post on the department's website guidelines and model training materials for committee members. Provides that a parent may, under certain circumstances, request a hearing before the governing body of the school corporation regarding a complaint. Establishes requirements for a governing body of a school corporation that receives a request for a hearing. Provides that a parent of a targeted student or parent of an alleged perpetrator may view any video evidence related to a bullying incident or physical assault involving the student for which a complaint or request for a hearing has been submitted.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing bullying in Indiana schools by creating two key mechanisms: a state bullying ombudsman and school-level bullying oversight committees. The ombudsman, appointed by the secretary of education, will receive and investigate parent complaints about unresolved bullying incidents, provide technical assistance to schools and families, monitor bullying trends, and submit annual reports to the state legislature. Each school corporation will be required to form a bullying oversight committee composed of at least three voluntary employees (excluding administrators) who will review parent complaints about inadequate bullying incident investigations or resolutions. The committee must complete investigations within 30 days, prepare detailed reports, and can recommend corrective measures like supervision changes, student separation, counseling, or disciplinary referrals. Parents will have the right to request a hearing with the school corporation's governing body if they are unsatisfied with the investigation, and they can also view video evidence related to the incident. The bill includes protections to prevent retaliation against individuals participating in good faith in complaint investigations and emphasizes that the new procedures do not supersede existing reporting requirements for school incidents or child abuse. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving schools time to prepare for implementation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Representative Cash added as coauthor (on 01/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1107/details |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1107/HB1107.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/house/bills/HB1107/fiscal-notes/HB1107.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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