We are happy to report that the Texas House tonight gave final passage to House Bill 1942, which requires public school districts to adopt policies to protect students from bullying. Religious-right groups had opposed the bill’s passage. Here are some highlights from HB 1942:
- The bill defines bullying in Chaper 37 (Discipline) of the Texas Education Code,
- It updates the definition of bullying to include that through electronic means (cyberbullying),
- It provides for the transfer of the student who engages in bullying. Currently, only the target of bullying may be transferred.
- It allows staff development to include training on preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying.
- It mandates that each board of trustees of each school district adopt a policy, including any necessary procedures, to address the prevention, investigation and reporting of incidents of bullying.
The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature.
