Broadens definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.

This bill broadens New Jersey's definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" by removing the requirement that such acts must be motivated by a student's actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. Under the new definition, any act that substantially disrupts school operations or interferes with students' rights will now be considered bullying, regardless of motivation. The bill also updates reporting requirements to ensure schools collect and report disaggregated data on bullying incidents by factors including race, gender, sexual orientation, and special education status. These changes affect all public schools in New Jersey, requiring them to adjust their policies and reporting procedures to align with the broader definition.