HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 138

(By Delegates Campbell, M. Poling, Perry, Moye, Pasdon, Pethtel, Barill, Walker, Fragale, Cooper, Tomblin, Ambler, Lawrence, Rowan, Young, Butler, D. Evans, Williams, Sumner, Hamrick and Espinosa)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effectiveness of current state statutes and State Board of Education and county board policies regarding mandatory reporting by school personnel of student harassment, intimidation or bullying.

    Whereas, Currently school personnel are required to report bullying, harassment and intimidation of students; and

    Whereas, Each county board establishes policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying in schools; and

    Whereas, A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards; and

    Whereas, Harassment, intimidation and bullying, like other disruptive or violent behavior, disrupt both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe, nonthreatening environment; and

    Whereas, Students learn by example when school employees and volunteers demonstrate appropriate behavior, treat others with civility and respect, and refuse to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying; and

    Whereas, School personnel and officials have a duty and an obligation to report incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying in order to maintain a safe haven for students; and

    Whereas, The Legislature desires to evaluate the data regarding incidents reported by school personnel regarding student harassment, intimidation and bullying, as well as the criteria for required reporting; and therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effectiveness of current state statutes and State Board of Education and county board policies regarding mandatory reporting by school personnel of student harassment, intimidation or bullying; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.