MO HB477

Repeals and replaces section 160.775 of Missouri law regarding school district antibullying policies, effective requirement was September 1, 2007.

Expands the definition of "bullying" to include discrimination, intimidation, and harassment that causes reasonable fear for safety/property, substantially interferes with educational performance, or disrupts school operations; applies to school property, school functions, and school buses.

Requires antibullying policies to prohibit bullying motivated by actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, intellectual ability, physical appearance, disability, or association with protected categories.

Mandates specific policy components including reporting procedures (with anonymous option), investigation protocols, consequences, anti-retaliation protections, staff training over four-year period beginning September 1, 2013, and annual confidential surveys of student and employee experiences.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and develop model antibullying policies for school districts by September 1, 2013.