Errington Pushes School Safety Bill through Indiana House
Staff Report
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - In an increased effort to end bullying in Indiana schools, Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) coauthored a bill that today passed through the Indiana House to promote school safety. House Bill 1015 sets up an interim study committee to allow legislators to look in depth at the kinds of bullying in and out of schools. According to Errington, the committee would study what kids are likely to be targeted by bullies, what kids are likely to be bullies, and what interventions are effective in preventing and stopping bullying.
“One of the goals of the committee is to figure out what the role of the legislature is in the fight against bullying,” she said. “By examining the best practices of other states and figuring out what resources we can provide our teachers and administrators, we can figure out what needs to be done to put an end to bullying in our schools. An outcome of the study may lead to recommendations for legislation to help teachers and principals accomplish their duty to protect students. The ultimate goal is to make schools safer.”
Errington also noted cyberbullying as an important aspect of the study.
"A lot of bullying occurs outside the school, particularly on social media sites,” she said. “It’s a growing problem that the summer study committee plans to address as well."
Shortly before Errington’s bill passed, the Indiana House also passed anti-bullying legislation by Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis). House Bill 1423 establishes training for teachers about bullying and requires them to report signs of bullying to school administrators. The bill also requires administrators report the incident to the parents of both the victim and the potential bully.
"My bill follows up with Rep. Porter’s bill in that it studies how we can give teachers the tools they need to address the bullying issue," said Errington.
The bill—authored by Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford)—received bipartisan support and passed through the House 95-0.
For more information go to indianahousedemocrats.org. You also can contact Errington at her Statehouse office at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Her office also can be contacted toll free at 1-800-382-9842, or via email at H34@in.gov.
House of Representatives Democratic Caucus Press Release