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SF3042 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Student bullying policy requirements modification

Related bill: HF517

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to clarify and modify the current requirements for student bullying policies in public schools across Minnesota. It seeks to address where and how bullying policies should be enforced, especially considering modern technology's role in student interactions.

Main Provisions

  • Scope of Bullying Policy: Expands the scope of student bullying policies in public schools to include:

    • Bullying taking place on school premises, during school functions, or on school transportation.
    • Bullying involving electronic technology and communication that occurs during school-related activities.
    • Off-premises electronic bullying using school-issued devices, if it substantially disrupts student learning or the school environment.

  • Nonpublic Schools Encouragement: Encourages nonpublic schools to electronically submit their anti-bullying policies and summaries of bullying incidents to the state commissioner for informational purposes, aligning with their accreditation cycles.

  • Exemptions: Exempts home schools and certain nonpublic schools from these requirements, maintaining their independence in managing their student interactions.

  • Application to Extracurricular Activities: Stipulates that any school-aged child participating in public school extracurricular or cocurricular activities must adhere to the public school's bullying policy, ensuring consistency in student behavior standards across various school activities.

Significant Changes

  • Inclusion of Electronic Bullying: The bill specifically includes electronic forms of bullying, broadening the traditional understanding of bullying to encompass the digital interactions typical among students today. This is a significant update to address issues related to cyberbullying via devices provided by the school.
  • Encouragement for Nonpublic Schools: The proposal to have nonpublic schools report their anti-bullying policies and incident summaries is a new element, aiming for greater transparency and more comprehensive data collection on bullying across different school systems.

Relevant Terms

  • Bullying
  • Cyberbullying
  • Electronic technology
  • Public school
  • Nonpublic school
  • Extracurricular activities
  • School-issued devices

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Incorporates the definition of electronic technology use for bullying incidents."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references privacy data regulations related to the use of electronic technology and communications off school premises in student bullying policies.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the application of subdivision for off-premise activities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.32",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Encourages electronic transmission of antibullying policy and incident data."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill mentions existing provisions for nonpublic schools concerning accreditation cycles and antibullying policy submissions.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "123B.41",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the exemption of home schools from the student bullying policy.",
      "modified": [
        "Affirms the exemption status within the context of student bullying policy."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.22",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Indicates existing provisions for homeschooling exempted from the student bullying policy.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120A.24",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors