2011 Senate Bill 137

Require school bullying policies

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 10, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Rick Jones (R-24)

To require schools to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying which meets standards specified in the bill, including banning conduct that “motivated by animus or by an actual or perceived characteristic”.

Referred to the Committee on Education

March 17, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

May 5, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S­1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 2, 2011

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details and adds that this would not prohibit "a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction".

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-6)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that requires an anti-bullying policy that enumerates specific characteristics including gender, race and sexual orientation, and does not exempt "a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction".

The amendment failed 11 to 26 (details)

Passed in the Senate 26 to 11 (details)

To require schools to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying “motivated by animus or by an actual or perceived characteristic,” but not one enumerating specific characteristics, including gender, race and sexual orientation. The bill would not prohibit "a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction".

Received in the House

Nov. 2, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Education