Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1779

Introduced
10/19/23  

Caption

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws concerning the regulation and reporting of bullying within schools. It mandates that all incidents of bullying and cyber harassment be recorded and reported in a standardized format, which will be accessible to the public. Schools must notify parents of all students involved in reported incidents and take required actions to remedy those situations. Moreover, the bill introduces potential disciplinary actions against educators who fail to comply with these reporting requirements. This legislative change aims to provide a more structured and effective framework to combat bullying in educational settings.

Summary

House Bill 1779, also referred to as the Anti-bullying Bill of Rights Act, seeks to enhance the accountability of school entities in managing and reporting incidents of bullying and cyber harassment. This legislation amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish clearer definitions of bullying, detailing the obligations of schools to maintain records, investigate reports, and develop action plans for bullying incidents. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing a safe learning environment for students, ensuring their right to learn free from harassment both online and offline.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1779 reflects a strong desire for improved protections against bullying within school environments. Supporters of the bill, including various educational and advocacy groups, view it as a necessary step towards safeguarding student welfare and promoting mental health. However, there are also concerns among critics about the feasibility of implementation and the potential burden on school staff. The balance between accountability and managing school resources remains a contentious point within discussions surrounding this legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention in HB 1779 include the extent of record maintenance for incidents of bullying and the mechanisms for enforcing compliance with the new obligations placed on schools. Some school officials have raised concerns about the interpretation of what constitutes bullying and the requirement for detailed reporting, which they argue could increase administrative workloads. Additionally, the debate over the accountability measures for educators, including the disciplinary processes established for non-compliance, highlights the challenges of effectively addressing bullying while safeguarding the rights of both students and school personnel.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1025

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA SB650

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB857

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for Office for Safe Schools and for reporting.

PA HB1778

In safe schools, further providing for definitions and for policy relating to bullying and providing for parental responsibility in bullying.

PA HB1293

In safe schools, further providing for policy relating to bullying.

PA HB1253

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports; and, in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for duties of committee, for standardized protocols and for reporting and memorandum of understanding.

PA HB1555

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for juveniles in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for placement of certain adjudicated students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and providing for School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA SB1240

In Schools-to-Work Program, further providing for definitions, for Schools-to-Work Program, for reporting requirements and for expiration.

PA HB1708

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for students in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for school stability for certain students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and establishing the School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.