Bill > H7114

This bill amends existing law to create a new section allowing for "directed community service" as a form of restorative justice for students who engage in bullying based on religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. Bullying is defined as it is in a related section of law, and this new provision allows for up to ten hours of community service to be imposed by school officials or a juvenile hearing board, in addition to any other legal penalties. This community service is intended to deter future bullying by promoting learning and insight, and it must be tailored to the specific bullying incident, such as performing service at a Holocaust museum for a student who bullied someone based on their Jewish faith. The community service must be completed within three months of being imposed and is not considered a criminal penalty.

Education

https://status.rilegislature.gov/