GA HB736

Expands the definition of "bullying" to include conduct based on a student's actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation, or physical/cognitive disability

Requires local school boards to adopt bullying prevention policies by July 1, 2026, including mandatory assignment to alternative school for students in grades 6-12 who commit a third bullying offense in a school year

Mandates the Georgia Department of Education develop and post a model bullying policy by January 1, 2026, along with lists of approved antibullying training providers and counseling services in multiple languages

Requires schools to document and maintain bullying reports for at least four years, annually report aggregate incident data to the Department of Education, and establish annual bullying prevention programs with staff training

Adds new requirements for progressive discipline approaches, student safety support plans for bullying targets, appeal processes for accused and targeted students, and immunity from civil liability for good-faith reporters