BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 152
By: Zaffirini
Education
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There is a growing problem of bullying in schools throughout Texas. Many students say that they have been bullied by other students. Research shows that children who have been bullied are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem, and bullies may enter into criminal behavior in the future.
According to figures from the National Association of School Psychologists, among the nation's 53.8 million children in kindergarten through 12th grade, more than 160,000 skip school every day because they fear bullies. A study by the National Threat Assessment Center, run by the United States Secret Service, found that in more than two-thirds of 37 school shootings, the attackers felt "persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked, or injured."
Current state law does not require school districts to address the issue of bullying through their discipline management programs. S.B. 152 requires school districts to revise their discipline management programs to include elements regarding the prevention and education concerning bullying.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 37.083(a), Education Code, to require a school district's discipline management program to provide for prevention of and education concerning unwanted physical or verbal aggression, sexual harassment, and other forms of bullying in school, on school grounds, and in school vehicles.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to the 2005-2006 school year.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.