Indiana · 2026 Regular Session
Bullying oversight committees and ombudsman. Establishes a state bullying ombudsman (ombudsman) position within the department of education (department). Establishes the duties of the ombudsman. Requires the department to: (1) provide staff and administrative support for the ombudsman; and (2) post the ombudsman's contact information on the department's website. Requires each school corporation to provide the ombudsman's contact information in certain rules, policies, and notices. Requires, with an exception, each school corporation to establish a bullying oversight committee (committee). Establishes the membership, authority, and duties of a committee. Provides that a parent of a targeted student may submit a complaint to the committee if the parent believes that: (1) the school administration failed to investigate a bullying or physical assault incident involving the targeted student; or (2) the resolution of an incident was insufficient or ineffective. Requires the department to adopt and post on the department's website guidelines and model training materials for committee members. Provides that a parent may, under certain circumstances, request a hearing before the governing…
Representative Cash added as coauthor (2026-01-12)