Bullying; definition, punishment for actions. (HB1576)

Introduced By

with support from co-patron Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Definition of and punishment for bullying.  Defines bullying to mean recklessly or intentionally endangering the health or safety of a student by exposing the student repeatedly and over time to physical aggression or intimidation, whether through direct physical contact or through the use of information or communication technology, resulting in bodily injury or other harm to person or property. This definition does not supersede or limit any definition of bullying developed by the Board of Education or the actual codes of student conduct adopted by school boards pursuant to 22.1-279.6. Bullying is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/05/2011Committee
01/05/2011Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/12/11 11101414D
01/05/2011Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/12/2011Assigned Courts sub: #1 Criminal
01/19/2011Impact statement from DPB (HB1576)
01/21/2011Assigned Courts sub: #1 Criminal
01/31/2011Fiscal impact review from JLARC (HB1576)
02/01/2011Assigned Courts sub: #1 Criminal
02/02/2011Subcommittee recommends passing by with letter
02/02/2011Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/08/2011Left in Courts of Justice

Comments

Equality Virginia, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

This bill establishes a criminal sanction for bullying that results in physical injury to any student in a Virginia college or elementary or secondary school. It follows the law currently in effect applicable to hazing. Equality Virginia supports this bill.

People of Faith for Equality in Virginia, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

Tracking (this bill would bring primary and secondary school legal policies in line with the state anti-hazing standards for universities. Due to our faith beliefs that highlight education and prevention measures over legal ramifications, we have not taken an official stance on this legislation)

Randolph Canterbury writes:

No child (or adult, for that matter) should be subject to bullying/hazing or other uncivilized mistreatment in the Commonwealth. Treating others with respect is a basic human value in a civilized society.