HI SCR200

Declares bullying in Hawaii to be a matter of statewide concern, recognizing it as a form of youth violence with documented harms to physical, social, emotional, academic, and mental health.

Requests the Department of Education to update Chapter 19 of Title 8, Hawaii Administrative Rules and related policies to better support youth, especially disabled youth, who experience bullying, and to synchronize these rules across all schools.

Requests the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to convene a task force to examine and recommend policies addressing no-tolerance bullying standards, mandatory staff training, reporting procedures, intervention policies, retaliation protections, and mental health resources.

Directs the task force to consider non-punitive disciplinary approaches for students who commit bullying acts, including parental meetings, reflective writing, counseling, and skills-building activities to address root causes.

Requires the task force to submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2025 convenes.