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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of an anti-bullying hotline. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 40.074 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 40.074. ANTI-BULLYING HOTLINE. (a) From funds |
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appropriated for the purpose or available under Section 40.057, the |
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department shall develop and operate an anti-bullying hotline as |
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provided by this section. |
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(b) The department shall maintain the anti-bullying hotline |
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in association with the department's Texas Abuse/Neglect Hotline. |
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(c) The anti-bullying hotline must enable a primary or |
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secondary school student to report an incident of bullying by: |
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(1) calling a toll-free telephone number; or |
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(2) using an Internet website. |
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(d) To the extent the department considers appropriate, an |
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Internet website maintained under this section may include |
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information regarding prevention of and education concerning |
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unwanted physical or verbal aggression, sexual harassment, and |
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other forms of bullying in school, on school grounds, in school |
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vehicles, at school bus stops, and at school-sponsored or |
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school-related activities. |
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(e) The department shall monitor reports of bullying |
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submitted under this section and forward the reports to: |
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(1) the principal of the primary or secondary school |
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in which the person accused of bullying is enrolled; or |
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(2) if the person accused of bullying is not enrolled |
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in a primary or secondary school, the local police department or |
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sheriff's office with jurisdiction over the matter. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |