2026 - HB 515 - Anti-Bullying in Schools

Bill Text:

This bill amends Section 33-1631 of the Idaho Code to enhance the requirements for addressing harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools. It specifies that school districts and public charter schools must disseminate information on these issues annually to all school personnel, parents, and students, emphasizing the expectation for school personnel to intervene on behalf of affected students. Additionally, the bill mandates ongoing professional development for school staff to equip them with the necessary skills to prevent and respond to such incidents. The state board of education is tasked with creating rules, subject to legislative approval, regarding the content of this professional development.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that school district and public charter school policies must include a series of graduated consequences for students who engage in harassment, intimidation, or bullying, as well as a procedure for mandatory reporting of incidents that lead to student suspensions. This includes notifying the parents or legal guardians of both the victim and the offender involved in the incident. The bill also makes technical corrections and declares an emergency, establishing that the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.