Education

S 16, "Jacobe's Law," requires school staff to contact parents or guardians when bullying or harassment is confirmed involving a student. School counselors, principals, or other designated staff must first discuss with the student whether contacting parents would raise health, safety, or privacy concerns before making reasonable efforts to notify them via phone, email, or mail. The law also protects individuals who report bullying or harassment in good faith from retaliation or legal liability. This affects students involved in such incidents, their parents/guardians, and school staff responsible for handling reports.

Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds or children's camp; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, to promulgate rules and regulations for certain signage on school buses; relates to professional development school bus driver safety training seminars statewide.