HB 3425

Abstract

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions relating to bullying prevention and the definition of "policy on bullying", provides that bullying shall also include bullying based on physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, homelessness. Provides that a bullying prevention policy must include procedures for informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying within 24 hours after the school's administration is made aware of the incident (instead of procedures for promptly informing parents or guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident of bullying). Provides that the bullying prevention policy shall also require all individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm to be reported to the parents or legal guardians of those involved under the guidelines provided. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop a template for a model bullying prevention policy. Provides that schools shall develop the bullying prevention policy for the school based on the model provided by the State Board of Education. Provides that school districts shall collect, maintain, and submit to the State Board of Education non-identifiable data regarding allegations and instances of bullying within the school district. Provides that upon the request of a parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a school district within the State, the State Board of Education must provide non-identifiable data of the number of bullying allegations and incidents in a given year at the school district to the requesting parent or legal guardian. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Makes other changes. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes changes concerning the definition of "policy on bullying". Requires a policy to be based on the State Board of Education's template for a model bullying prevention policy which includes the criteria set forth in the definition of "policy on bullying". Provides that school districts, charter schools, and non-public, non-sectarian elementary and secondary schools must submit data in an annual report due to the State Board of Education no later than August 15 of each year starting with the 2024-2025 school year (instead of requiring school districts to submit data in an annual report due to the State Board no later than June 1 of each year). Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt rules regarding the submission of data that includes, but is not limited to: (i) a record of each verified allegation of bullying and action taken; and (ii) whether the instance of bullying was based on certain actual or perceived characteristics and, if so, lists the relevant characteristics. Provides that the State Board of Education's rules for the submission of data shall be consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, including, but not limited to, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Illinois School Student Records Act. Removes provisions concerning recommendations for out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or referrals to law enforcement. Provides that the State Board of Education shall post on its Internet website a template for a model bullying prevention policy (instead of providing that the State Board of Education shall develop a template for a model bullying prevention policy). House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. Makes a change concerning professional development and youth programming. Provides that the data required to be submitted must regard verified allegations (rather than allegations and founded instances) of bullying. Provides that reporting is required though the 2030-2031 school year. Requires the posting of a template for a model bullying prevention policy by January 1, 2024; removes the rulemaking provision. Adds an immediate effective date.