Ohio Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act (Sub. H.B. No. 360)

• Defines "hazing" and establishes criminal penalties including misdemeanor charges for reckless participation and felony charges when serious physical harm results; applies to students and school/organization officials

• Requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying; establishes mandatory suspension/expulsion procedures with escalating penalties (up to 10 days for first offense, 30 days for second, 182 days for third within same school year)

• Creates section 3313.669 allowing school boards to approve alternative forms of discipline instead of suspension/expulsion if students have extenuating circumstances and pose no safety risk

• Mandates state board of education develop model anti-bullying policies and evidence-based best practices; requires schools to provide annual instruction to students and written notice to parents about policies

• Extends anti-bullying and hazing requirements to community schools, STEM schools, and higher education institutions with required policies including investigation procedures, victim protections, and disciplinary sanctions