HB2891 Summary

• Expands the definition of "harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyberbullying" to include incidents motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, gender, gender identity, or other distinguishing characteristics, or association with such persons.

• Requires school district boards of education to adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies that include reporting procedures (including anonymous reporting), staff training, parent notification, investigation protocols, and consequences for violations.

• Directs the State Board of Education to develop a model anti-bullying policy, establish monitoring and compliance rules, and maintain a central repository for tracking harassment and bullying incidents across school districts.

• Modifies the Safe School Committee composition to include administrators and school staff, and removes the exemption that previously applied to technology center schools.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2012, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage and approval.