Connecticut S.B. 1138

Connecticut S.B. 1138

Strengthens School Bullying Laws

Expands the types of conduct that constitute school bullying and the situations where it can occur. Makes the school principal responsible for investigating or designating someone to investigate and address bullying whether it occurs in or out-of-school. Requires all school employees to report bullying incidents they see or that are reported to them to the principal or his or her designee. Requires schools and school districts to adopt safe school climate plans, rather than policies, to address bullying. Directs the state Department of Education to disseminate to all public schools grade-level appropriate school climate assessment instruments, including surveys, to be used by local and regional boards of education so that the department can monitor bullying prevention efforts over time and
compare each district's progress to state trends. Requires certified and noncertified employees working in public schools to receive annual training in how to identify, intervene, and prevent bullying and youth suicide among students. Grants immunity to school boards, school employees, students, parents, and others against damage claims arising from good faith reports of bullying and responses to bullying in accordance with a district's safe school climate plan. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00232-R00SB-01138-PA.pdf

Source:
http://www.cga.ct.gov

Status: Signed into law Status Date: 07/01/2011

Connecticut S.B. 1138
Strengthens School Bullying Laws
Expands the types of conduct that constitute school bullying and the situations where it can occur. Makes the school principal responsible for investigating or designating someone to investigate and address bullying whether it occurs in or out-of-school. Requires all school employees to report bullying incidents they see or that are reported to them to the principal or his or her designee. Requires schools and school districts to adopt safe school climate plans, rather than policies, to address bullying. Directs the state Department of Education to disseminate to all public schools grade-level appropriate school climate assessment instruments, including surveys, to be used by local and regional boards of education so that the department can monitor bullying prevention efforts over time and compare each district's progress to state trends. Requires certified and noncertified employees working in public schools to receive annual training in how to identify, intervene, and prevent bullying and youth suicide among students. Grants immunity to school boards, school employees, students, parents, and others against damage claims arising from good faith reports of bullying and responses to bullying in accordance with a district's safe school climate plan. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00232-R00SB-01138-PA.pdf
Source: http://www.cga.ct.gov
Status: Signed into law	Status Date: 07/01/2011