Louisiana House Bill HR159

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/12
• Passed: 6/1/12

Caption

Requests that the La. School Boards Association develop and implement a training program for school board members on harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students

Impact

The impact of HR159 on state laws primarily pertains to the encouragement of best practices regarding student safety and behavior management in schools. While HR159 does not impose legal changes directly, it acts as a directive for local school boards, aiming for a standardized approach to addressing bullying and intimidation. By advocating for training, it seeks to enhance the ability of school officials to manage crises effectively while fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development.

Summary

House Resolution 159 (HR159) urges the Louisiana School Boards Association to develop and implement a training program for school board members focused on harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students. This initiative aims to be a proactive step in providing a safer, more supportive educational environment for students across Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the importance of training programs that include contents on related topics, such as suicide prevention, ensuring that the training is scientifically accurate and recognized by relevant professional organizations.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HR159 appears generally supportive, as it addresses a significant concern shared by many within the educational community—bullying. Many educators, parents, and advocacy groups may see this initiative as a necessary step toward addressing bullying, indicating a prevalent desire for improved student welfare. However, the resolution's effectiveness hinges on the implementation of such training programs, and there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of resources and commitment needed to achieve the intended outcomes.

Contention

While HR159 has garnered support, there may be challenges related to the actual execution of the mandated training programs, including funding, resource allocation, and differing opinions among school boards on the need for such training. The efficacy of the training content and its resultant impact on actual bullying rates could also be subjects of scrutiny and debate, leading to differing views on the overall approach to enhance student safety in schools.