SB 650 Summary

• Requires the State Department of Education to develop a model dating violence policy for school districts by December 31, 2011, and each district board of education to establish a dating violence policy by July 31, 2012.

• District policies must address incidents of dating violence at school, including reporting procedures, response guidelines, and discipline procedures, and be published in student handbooks.

• Mandates annual dating violence training for middle and high school administrators, teachers, nurses, and mental health staff covering warning signs, basic principles, and district policy procedures.

• Requires school districts to incorporate age-appropriate dating violence education into health curriculum for grades 7-12, including defining dating violence, recognizing warning signs, and teaching characteristics of healthy relationships.

• Requires districts to inform parents and legal guardians of dating violence policies and allow parents to examine education materials upon written request; does not create or alter tort liability for victims seeking other legal remedies.