HB 1661 Summary

• Renames the "School Bullying Prevention Act" to the "School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act" and updates definitions to focus on "bullying" rather than "harassment, intimidation, and bullying"

• Requires school district policies to include anonymous reporting procedures, staff notification requirements, publicity measures, investigation procedures, parent notification protocols, and annual training for staff

• Mandates school policies to address bullying prevention through consequences for perpetrators and false accusers, plus counseling and support services for affected students and families

• Establishes State Board of Education duties to monitor district compliance, maintain a repository of documented bullying incidents, publish annual reports on incidents, develop model policies, and compile lists of research-based prevention programs

• Expands Safe School Committee membership to include administrators, staff, volunteers, community representatives, and local law enforcement, with responsibility to promote positive school climate through prevention and readiness strategies