TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A hearing has been set for a bill requiring Kansas schools to create a standardized procedure for handling and regulating bullying cases.
A hearing has been scheduled at the Kansas House Committee on Education on House Bill 2143 for 1:30 pm on Wednesday, February 1. The bill, introduced by the committee, would establish requirements for school districts to create policies and procedures for investigating bullying complaints.
Specifically, HB 2143 requires a standardized process in which each district would designate one person as the primary contact regarding procedures. It would also require staff members to promptly report relevant information to the designated contact person and provide a procedure for a timely investigation.
The legislation would provide age-appropriate answers to bullying discipline and prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports the act. There would also be an avenue for anonymous reporting. The new procedures would be widely advertised in relevant venues throughout the district.
HB 2143 also outlines processes for reporting school employees who may be neglecting the new system.
The bill indicates that acceptable disciplinary actions for bullying would include warnings, counseling, loss of extracurricular attendance, loss of attendance at school social events or graduation, loss of school bus transportation, community service, suspension in school, suspension soon term or a transfer to another school.
The bill is still in its early stages and a vote is expected this session.
To follow the hearing live, click HERE.
To read the full text of the regulation, click HERE.
