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SCS/HCS/HB 1583 - This act modifies several provisions relating to student safety. ANTIBULLYING POLICIES This act modifies the requirements for school antibullying policies. The definition of "bullying" is modified to include intimidation or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of any student without exception, or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying by students is prohibited on school property, at school functions, or on school buses. Cyberbullying is defined in the act. This act requires that antibullying policies treat all students equally. Each school district's antibullying policy must be included in the student handbook, as described in the act. School districts must instruct their school counselors and school psychologists to educate students who are victims of bullying on techniques to overcome the negative effects of bullying. School districts must also implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct so as to not stigmatize a victim, and to make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying. Any school district shall have jurisdiction to prohibit cyberbullying that originates on a school's campus or at a district activity, as described in the act, and a school district may discipline a student for such cyberbullying to the greatest extent allowed by law. Each district must review its antibullying policy and revise as necessary. (Section 160.775) These provisions are similar to HCS/HB 1583 (2016) and are substantially similar to provisions contained in SB 1029 (2016), and are similar to SB 728 (2016) and SB 560 (2014). SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, any licensed educator may annually complete up to two hours of training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention as part of the professional development hours required for State Board of Education certification. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop guidelines for training or professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention. The Department shall also develop materials that may be used for such training or professional development. Each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention by July 1, 2018. The Department develop a model policy by July 1, 2017, that districts may adopt. The Department shall cooperate, consult with, and seek input from organizations that have expertise in youth suicide awareness and prevention. By July 1, 2021, and at least every three years thereafter, the Department shall request information and seek feedback from districts on their experience with the policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention. The Department shall review this information and may use it to adapt the department's model policy. The Department shall post the information it receives from districts on its website. The Department shall not post any confidential information or any information that personally identifies a student or school employee. (Sections 170.047 and 170.048) This provision is substantially similar to SCS/SB 646 (2016) and SB 328 (2015), and a provision contained in SB 1029 (2016). JOSHUA NORBERG
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