HEA 1423 Summary

• Expands bullying definition to include unwanted repeated acts transmitted digitally or electronically, with intent to harass or harm and creating an objectively hostile school environment that affects fear, health, academic performance, or school participation.

• Requires school corporations to provide age-appropriate bullying prevention instruction to all students in grades 1-12 by October 15 annually and train employees and volunteers on bullying prevention policies.

• Mandates detailed bullying investigation and reporting procedures in school discipline rules, including anonymous reporting options, expedited investigation timelines, parent notification, and discipline for staff who fail to investigate or file false reports.

• Requires school corporations to report the number of bullying incidents by category to the state department of education by July 1 annually, with the department posting reports online and submitting summaries to legislative council and other state entities.

• Applies bullying discipline rules regardless of physical location where behavior occurred, provided both parties are students in the same school corporation and action is needed to prevent substantial interference with school discipline or threats to safe learning environment.