A new Tennessee law could punish students for bullying and cyberbullying.
HB2590/SB1887 could punish students accused of bullying with offenses subject to the same penalties as harassment. The law goes into effect July 1, 2024.
Sponsor of the bill Representative Lowell Russell(R-Vonore) says students 18 years or older will face a Class A misdemeanor, and students under 18 years old will face a delinquent act.
The legislation will also require an officer to make a report of bullying and notify a parent or guardian when the victim is a minor.
Class A misdemeanors carry up to 11 months, 29 days in jail, or fines up to $2,500, or both.