Committee hears multiple bills on bullying and cyberbullying; sponsors seek clearer investigative duties and better statewide reporting

Representative Valerie McDonald, R‑Rockingham, presented HB 108 seeking to clarify which school district is responsible for investigating bullying or cyberbullying that crosses district lines. The bill would direct the district “where the action originated” to undertake an investigation; McDonald said the change is intended to remove ambiguity and ensure accountability when incidents involve students from different districts.

Supporters described traumatic cases in which targeted students missed school after online harassment, and said clearer investigative responsibility and better inter‑district cooperation are needed. Testimony included a parent who described her child’s experience with a fake social‑media account, and Representative Perez, who had sponsored a related bill last year, urged the committee not to “kick the can down the road” because cyberbullying can lead to severe consequences for…