Education (School Safety)

Revises the definition of "bullying". Requires each public school, including a charter school, to track, monitor, and analyze specified aspects of bullying, and provides that a parent of a student or a student, if the student is an emancipated minor, may submit a grievance to the school for a violation of this requirement. Requires each school corporation and charter school to: (1) document and track all acts of bullying and abusive behaviors for analysis; (2) prepare and implement interventions to deter and prevent bullying and abusive behaviors; and (3) compile, prepare, and submit an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the department of education, the state board of education, and the legislative council summarizing the information collected. Requires the state board of education to review the report and provide recommendations to certain schools to reduce the frequency of acts of bullying or abusive behaviors. Allows the department of child services to release unredacted reports to a school's designated liaison under certain circumstances.

Requires, upon request, a public school to consult with and allow certain licensed or board certified behavior analysts and certified registered behavior technicians to provide applied behavioral analysis therapy services in the public school to a student under certain conditions in accordance with the student's special education program or plan. Provides immunity from civil liability for any actions taken in good faith to comply with the requirements. Requires the department of education to prepare and provide information and guidance to assist public schools in implementing the requirements.

Establishes a state bullying ombudsman (ombudsman) position within the department of education (department). Establishes the duties of the ombudsman. Requires the department to: (1) provide staff and administrative support for the ombudsman; and (2) post the ombudsman's contact information on the department's website. Requires each school corporation to provide the ombudsman's contact information in certain rules, policies, and notices. Requires, with an exception, each school corporation to establish a bullying oversight committee (committee). Establishes the membership, authority, and duties of a committee. Provides that a parent of a targeted student may submit a complaint to the committee if the parent believes that: (1) the school administration failed to investigate a bullying or physical assault incident involving the targeted student; or (2) the resolution of an incident was insufficient or ineffective. Requires the department to adopt and post on the department's website guidelines and model training materials for committee members. Provides that a parent may, under certain circumstances, request a hearing before the governing body of the school corporation regarding a complaint. Establishes requirements for a governing body of a school corporation that receives a request for a hearing. Provides that a parent of a targeted student or parent of an alleged perpetrator may view any video evidence related to a bullying incident or physical assault involving the student for which a complaint or request for a hearing has been submitted.