SB 240 Summary

• Requires every school district to adopt an anti-bullying policy by September 1, 2007, defining bullying as discrimination, intimidation, or harassment that threatens physical safety, substantially interferes with education, or disrupts school operations.

• Prohibits bullying motivated by actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, intellectual ability, physical appearance, mental/physical/sensory disability, or association with others in these categories.

• Mandates minimum policy components including definitions, employee reporting requirements, anonymous reporting procedures, investigation protocols, consequences, anti-retaliation protections, and employee training provisions.

• Requires school districts to provide annual notice to students and families, post policies visibly, implement prevention programs, conduct annual confidential surveys on harassment and discrimination, and review policies annually for legal compliance.

• Authorizes the state board of education to promulgate rules and develop model policies to assist districts by September 1, 2012, subject to chapter 536 regulatory requirements.