New Mexico H.B. 54
Cyberbullying Definition and Prevention
From bill analysis: Adds language specifying that disciplinary action taken by school administrators in response to cyberbullying confirmed through investigation must be by the least restrictive means necessary to address a hostile environment on the school campus, and may include counseling, mediation, and appropriate disciplinary action that is consistent with the legal rights of the involved students. Replaces definition of cyberbullying with electronic communication that targets a specific student, is published with the intention that the communication be seen by or disclosed to the targeted student, is in fact seen by or disclosed to the targeted student, and creates or is certain to create a hostile environment on the school campus that is so severe or pervasive as to substantially interfere with the targeted student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance. Requires local school boards to promulgate cyberbullying prevention policies by August 2013 that require all licensed school employees to complete training on how to recognize signs of cyberbullying; any licensed school employee who has information about or a reasonable suspicion that a person is being cyberbullied to report to the principal or superintendent, or both; school administrators or local superintendents who receive a report of cyberbullying to take immediate steps to ensure a prompt investigation of the report; and school administrators to take prompt disciplinary action in response to cyberbullying confirmed through investigation. Bill text: http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/13%20Regular/final/HB0054.pdf Bill analysis: http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/13%20Regular/LESCAnalysis/HB0054.PDF
Source: Bill text: http://www.nmlegis.gov/
Status: Signed into law	Status Date: 04/01/2013