House Bill 454 Summary

• State Board of Education must develop and implement a conflict resolution and peer mediation program with age and grade-appropriate curriculum for all school districts by the 2018-2019 school year.

• In school districts with "D" or "F" accountability ratings, conflict resolution programs must be supervised by school resource officers assisted by licensed teachers and counselors to combat violence and bullying.

• Students with no prior disciplinary history who would otherwise be suspended or expelled may elect to participate in a community service program of at least 40 hours with youth peer counseling instead.

• School Resource Officers may serve as conflict resolution/peer mediation supervisors and can teach crime prevention, substance abuse prevention, and gang resistance programs.

• The School Safety Grant Program is expanded to include peer mediation training and anti-bullying training as eligible preventive services for school districts.