Sec. 3. 20-A MRSA §1001, sub-§15, ¶H is enacted to read:

H.__Establish policies__and procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

Sec. 4. Development of model policies to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. The Commissioner of Education shall direct the Subcommittee on School and Community Climate of the Children's Cabinet to develop model policies to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in schools. In developing these model policies, the subcommittee shall, no later than February 15, 2006:

1. Provide a description of behaviors that constitute bullying, harassment and sexual harassment;

2. Provide specific guidelines for the enhancement and enforcement of student codes of conduct adopted in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 1001, subsection 15;

3. Present the guidelines in a manner appropriate for inclusion in staff and faculty handbooks;

4. Develop a manual to instruct parents, teachers and school administrators on how to implement policies on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, including recommendations for procedures to be included in a school handbook; and

5. Create training modules for school staff and administration specific to recognizing and implementing procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Training modules must be developed for delivery regionally via interactive television, in person at workshops and conferences and online as Internet-based teaching tools.

By February 1, 2006 the commissioner shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on the subcommittee's progress in developing model policies, procedures and training materials.