Summary of HR 2682 - STOP Bullying Act

Purpose and Intent

The STOP Bullying Act (HR 2682) aims to address and mitigate the prevalence of bullying in schools across the United States. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for preventing bullying, protecting victims, and promoting a safe educational environment for all students.

Key Provisions

The STOP Bullying Act includes several significant provisions designed to combat bullying effectively:

• Establishment of Anti-Bullying Policies: Schools will be required to develop and implement clear anti-bullying policies that define bullying behavior and outline procedures for reporting and addressing incidents.

• Training and Resources: The bill mandates training for educators and school staff on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying. This includes resources for mental health support for affected students.

• Data Collection and Reporting: Schools will be required to collect data on bullying incidents and report this information to the Department of Education. This data will help track the effectiveness of anti-bullying measures and inform future policy decisions.

• Support for Victims: The legislation emphasizes the need for support systems for victims of bullying, including counseling services and peer support programs.

• Parental Involvement: The bill encourages parental involvement in anti-bullying initiatives, promoting communication between schools and families to foster a collaborative approach to prevention.

Who Would Be Affected

The STOP Bullying Act would impact:

• Students: All students in K-12 education would benefit from a safer school environment and access to support services.

• Educators and School Staff: Teachers and school personnel would receive training and resources to better handle bullying situations.

• Parents and Guardians: Families would be encouraged to engage in anti-bullying efforts, fostering a community approach to prevention.

• School Administrators: School leaders would be responsible for implementing the required policies and ensuring compliance with the new mandates.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced Date: The bill was introduced in the House on April 7, 2025.

• Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 2682 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Raja Krishnamoorthi and has multiple cosponsors, including:

• LaMonica McIver
• Ro Khanna
• Teresa Leger Fernandez
• Paul Tonko
• Angie Craig
• Eleanor Holmes Norton
• Mikie Sherrill
• Janice D. Schakowsky
• Shri Thanedar
• Mark Takano
• Jerrold Nadler
• Emily Randall
• Darren Soto

Conclusion

The STOP Bullying Act represents a proactive approach to tackling bullying in schools, aiming to create a safer and more supportive environment for students. By establishing clear policies, providing necessary training, and promoting community involvement, the bill seeks to reduce the incidence of bullying and support those affected by it.