Sen. Miller's anti-bullying bill passes Senate Committee

Sen. Pete Miller

Legislation sponsored by District 24 State Sen. Pete Miller (R-Avon) to curb bullying in Hoosier schools passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development Thursday by a 8-2 vote.

House Bill 1423 requires all schools to track and report the nature of bullying incidents, which would be included in the school's annual performance report.

The Department of Education would then work with schools to develop guidelines to prevent, investigate and report cases of student bullying.

"Over the past decade, we have seen how bullying has affected schools and students around the country," Miller said. "We hope this legislation can give our schools the tools to educate students on the consequences of their actions and provide teachers and staff with the necessary training to prevent bullying."

HB 1423 also requires school employees, volunteers and students to be trained each year on how to prevent bullying. All schools would share information on bullying investigation procedures with students and parents through their disciplinary rules, as well as information on support services and educational programs.

This legislation also extends the definition of bullying. It includes electronic messages even made outside of school that make a student fear for his or her safety or negatively affect a student's physical or mental health, academic performance or ability to participate in school activities.

An amendment to the bill includes some exemptions to the extended definition of bullying. Some of these include participating in a religious event, an activity involving the exercise of a student's rights under the First Amendment or an activity lead by a nonprofit, government entity that provides recreation, education or training.

HB 1423 will now move to the full State Senate for further consideration.