MO SB284

Every school district must adopt an antibullying policy by September 1, 2007, founded on ensuring all students have a safe learning environment.

Defines bullying as discrimination, intimidation, or harassment that causes reasonable fear for safety or property, substantially interferes with educational performance, or substantially disrupts school operations, including physical actions, oral, cyberbullying, electronic, or written communication.

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

Requires antibullying policies to include nine minimum components: prohibition statement, employee reporting requirements, anonymous reporting procedures, investigation protocols, response procedures, anti-retaliation protections, publicization methods, staff and student training processes, and annual confidential harassment and discrimination surveys.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and develop model policies to assist local school districts by September 1, 2014, with all rules subject to Chapter 536 legislative oversight procedures.