Committee hears emotional testimony on anti‑bullying, suicide‑prevention bill; DCS director opposes current wording

Representative Dale Devon introduced House Bill 1404, saying the measure addresses teen bullying and suicide and has been the product of months of stakeholder work.

Multiple witnesses described personal or observed harms they said resulted from bullying that schools did not address effectively. Rachel Van Alstyne, a mother and social worker, described her son’s suicidal ideation after sustained bullying she reported to his school; she said an investigation revealed 17 students participating and, she said, no consequences were imposed. "Our schools assume the role of parent while our children are in their care," Van Alstyne said, and she urged support for HB 1404 and its amendments.

Tiffany Glick, a licensed school‑based speech‑language pathologist, and other educators described repeated reports to the…