Witnesses urge new intercollegiate violence‑prevention council and revive hazing/harassment/bullying advisory body; no new state appropriation proposed

Witnesses told the Senate Education Committee the miscellaneous education bill (H.931) is an appropriate vehicle to add language creating an intercollegiate violence-prevention council and to revive and revise the state’s Hazing, Harassment and Bullying (HHB) advisory council.

A presenter described draft language to allow every college and university to participate on a council that would share best practices on campus violence prevention, meet twice yearly with rotating hosts, and include members from higher education, forensic nursing programs (SANE), and the Commission of Public Safety. Charlie Goserman, who identified himself during testimony, said he appreciated the committee’s commitment and that higher-education institutions are willing to share responsibilities and training.

Witnesses noted that a prior task force had been funded (a number was cited during questioning) but that those funds were rescinded. They proposed moving forward ‘‘without appropriation’’ and for colleges to help cover operational costs if the committee adds the language. For the HHB advisory council, witnesses proposed clearer duties, expanded membership—principals, school-board members, disability-advocacy representation, student and parent members—regular meeting requirements (at least four times per year), and an annual written report to the education committees and the State Board of Education.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about membership, the role of forensic nursing, and whether the proposal duplicates other entities; witnesses said the groups are complementary and promised to follow up with details and proposed statutory edits.