FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Matt Visaggio

April 18, 2008
(239) 344-4900

REPRESENTATIVES NICK THOMPSON AND
GARY AUBUCHON WORK TO PROTECT ALL STUDENTS

TALLAHASSEE – Legislation protecting Florida’s students from bullying won approval on the House floor today. House Bill (HB) 669, sponsored by Representative Nick Thompson, Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff and Representative Gary Aubuchon is named the Jeffrey Johnston Stand up for All Students Act, for the Cape Coral student who committed suicide in 2005 after being the victim of bullying by a classmate.

“For three years, Jeffrey’s mother has worked to preserve the memory of her son and to protect all Florida’s children from bullying,” said Representative Thompson. “For her, and for countless other parents and children around the state, I’m proud that the Florida House passed this important legislation.”

“This bill increases transparency and formalizes the ability of schools to protect our children,” said Representative Aubuchon. “Our children are the most important members of our society, and this legislation will keep them safer.”

HB 669 prohibits the bullying or harassment, including cyber bullying, of any public K-12 student or employee. It requires the Department of Education to adopt a model policy to prohibit bullying and harassment and directs all school districts to adopt a similar policy. School districts are directed to work with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and local law enforcement on developing this policy. School districts will be required to report all instances of bullying or harassment and to notify the parents of the bully and the parents of the victim. The required communication among parents, students and teachers about incidents of bullying will help to prevent acts of violence and future tragedies. Schools should be a safe place for teachers and children to teach and learn. House Bill 669 will make our schools safer throughout the State of Florida.

The Senate companion for HB 669 is Senate Bill 790 which is in the Senate Education Pre-K Committee.

January 28, 2008: We now have new bill numbers! Click on each to access the full text.

SB 88 and HB 669

May 5th, 2007: We need to get the Bill on the agenda for the Special Session by June 12, 2007. Please write to expand the call for special session to include Jeff's Bill.

CS/HB 575 - School Safety

GENERAL BILL by Schools & Learning Council and Thompson, N. and Aubuchon (CO-SPONSORS) Bean; Brandenburg; Galvano; Gibbons; Grimsley; Scionti; Troutman; Waldman

School Safety: Designates act "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act"; prohibits bullying & harassment of any student or employee of public K-12 educational institution; requires school district to adopt policy prohibiting bullying & harassment; provides immunity; provides restrictions with respect to defense of action & application of provisions; requires DOE approval of school district policy & school district compliance with reporting procedures as prerequisites to receipt of safe schools funds.

Click here for the entire Bill (PDF).
View related Bill SB114.

Write the Governor:

Governor Charlie Crist
	Phone: 850-488-7146 [Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time] Fax: 850-487-0801 Mailing Address: Office of the Governor The Capitol Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 For individuals with hearing loss or speech disability: 1-850-922-7795 (TTY) OR 711 (Florida Telecommunication Relay) Direct Links: Form for emailing Governor Crist Governor Christ Homepage

Write Your Senators:

	Florida Speaker of the House E-Mail Form for Representative Marco Rubio Direct E-Mail speaker@myfloridahouse.gov  The Honorable Marco Rubio, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 420 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
	Go to the Florida Senate and put in your zip code to find your Senator. Then let them know that you support the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act. http://www.flsenate.gov

Contact Senator Ken Pruitt.