Bill > HB894

This bill, known as Charlie's Law to Protect All Students, requires private elementary and secondary schools in Virginia to update their student codes of conduct to specifically address bullying and cyberbullying. This means schools must establish clear procedures for handling incidents of bullying, which is defined as repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt or intimidate another person, and cyberbullying, which is bullying that occurs through electronic means like social media or text messages. The updated policies must ensure that parents are notified in writing within 24 hours of any alleged bullying or cyberbullying incident involving their child. Additionally, schools must implement procedures to protect students who are victims or witnesses of such behavior, provide a list of available support services for those affected, and prohibit hazing, which is defined as any activity that humiliates, degrades, or endangers a student. The bill also mandates that school personnel be trained on managing student conduct and that policies be designed to reduce bias in how student codes of conduct are enforced.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB894