The New Hampshire Legislature's House Education Policy and Administration Committee convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 210, which aims to strengthen bullying and cyberbullying prevention measures in schools. The bill's prime sponsor, Representative Glenn Cordelli, emphasized the urgent need for action, citing alarming statistics and personal testimonies related to bullying, including instances of suicide linked to bullying incidents.

During the meeting, Cordelli highlighted the proposed amendments to the bill, which include mandatory inclusion of bullying procedures in student handbooks and improved communication protocols for informing parents about bullying reports. The amendments also aim to enhance the integration of bullying policies into school curricula and require districts to report their progress by January 1, 2026.

Key discussions revolved around the bill's applicability to private and homeschooled students, with some committee members expressing concerns about how the legislation addresses bullying incidents involving these groups. Cordelli clarified that while the bill primarily targets public and charter schools, it does include provisions for cross-district bullying and cyberbullying.

The committee also addressed the need for accurate reporting of bullying incidents, with Cordelli noting that many community members question the validity of current statistics. The proposed amendments would change the legal standard for school districts from "willful misconduct" to "simple negligence," aiming to hold schools more accountable for their handling of bullying cases.

As the meeting concluded, Cordelli reiterated the importance of taking decisive action against bullying, stating that the proposed amendments represent a critical step toward creating safer school environments for all students. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive policies to combat bullying and support affected students and families.