SB 148 Summary

• Establishes the "Cyberbullying Reporting Act" defining cyberbullying as electronic communications motivated by a pupil's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or other distinguishing personal characteristics that intend to physically harm, damage property, substantially interfere with education, create an intimidating environment, or disrupt school operations.

• Requires the Michigan Department of State Police and Department of Education to use the Michigan School Violence Hotline to accept reports of cyberbullying in schools in addition to other violence and criminal conduct reports.

• Mandates law enforcement agencies to promptly report credible cyberbullying incidents involving school pupils to relevant school officials and to parents or guardians of alleged perpetrators and victims.

• Requires school officials who become aware of credible cyberbullying incidents to promptly notify parents or guardians of any alleged perpetrators or victims.