SB 1514 Summary

• Expands the definition of bullying to include unkind words in teasing and intentional unwanted touching, and renumbers existing categories.

• Requires school districts to adopt and review every 3 years a zero-tolerance policy prohibiting bullying and harassment that substantially conforms to the Department of Education's model policy.

• Establishes mandatory consequences: first offense requires written documentation signed by student, parent, counselor, and principal; second offense requires in-person meeting with same parties; third offense requires principal to recommend expulsion.

• Authorizes the Department of Education to fine district school boards $5,000 for first enforcement failure, $10,000 for second, and $25,000 for third or subsequent failures, with teachers paying half the fine if the failure resulted from their act or omission.

• Requires district school boards to deny employment to or terminate any principal or teacher responsible for three policy enforcement failures; collected fines are deposited into the General Revenue Fund.