H.R.1810 - Safe Schools Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1810, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, aims to prevent bullying and harassment in schools. It mandates that states receiving federal grants require local educational agencies to establish anti-bullying policies. These policies must prohibit conduct that limits a student's ability to participate in school activities or creates a hostile environment.
Expected Effects
The bill would lead to increased reporting and intervention in bullying incidents. It also requires data collection and reporting on bullying incidents at the school and local levels. This increased awareness and structured response should reduce bullying.
Potential Benefits
- Creates safer and more inclusive school environments for all students.
- Reduces the negative impacts of bullying on students' physical and psychological health.
- Promotes academic achievement by reducing absenteeism and dropout rates linked to bullying.
- Ensures consistent anti-bullying policies across schools within participating states.
- Provides a framework for addressing bullying based on various characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on schools and local educational agencies.
- Risk of misinterpretation or inconsistent application of anti-bullying policies.
- Possible challenges in accurately collecting and reporting data on bullying incidents.
- Concerns about potential overreach or infringement on students' free speech rights.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate funding and support for implementation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution by promoting the general welfare and ensuring equal protection under the law. While the federal government's role in education is generally limited, the bill leverages federal funding to incentivize states to address bullying, which can be justified under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8). The bill also includes provisions to protect free speech rights, addressing potential First Amendment concerns.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).