TITLE: Relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program.

SUMMARY: Relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 37.006, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (p) to read as follows: (p) A student shall be removed from class and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program as provided by Section 37.008 if the student, on or within 300 feet of school property, as measured from any point on the school's real property boundary line, or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off of school property, including while on a school bus or at a school bus stop, engages in bullying. In this subsection, "bullying" means engaging in written or oral expression or physical conduct that: (1) the student knows or reasonably believes will cause significant emotional distress to another student; (2) causes significant emotional distress to another student; and (3) would cause significant emotional distress to a reasonable person under the same circumstances. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.