Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Virginia antibullying law ‘Autumn’s Law’ introduced – Legal Perspective
RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) – A Virginia antibullying law called Autumn’s Law was introduced by Senator Bill Stanley on Tuesday.
The proposed law is named after Autumn Bushman, a 10-year-old girl from Roanoke County who died by suicide in 2025.
The legislation creates a new criminal offense in Virginia Code Section 18.2-56.01, making aggravated bullying and aggravated cyberbullying against students a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Aggravated bullying is defined as any act of bullying that is intentionally directed at the victim for the purpose of placing the victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury or death, provoking a breach of the peace, or inciting violence, or that is intentionally directed at the victim based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, mental health condition or appearance and has the effect of interfering with the victim’s ability to attend, engage in or benefit from educational opportunities.
The legislation amends Virginia Code Section 22.1-279.3:1 to require principals to immediately report any incident of aggravated bullying or aggravated cyberbullying occurring on a school bus, on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to local law enforcement, removing discretion and ensuring criminal investigation of the most serious cases.
School board codes of student conduct must include prohibitions against aggravated bullying and aggravated cyberbullying with detailed reporting procedures, clear and escalating disciplinary consequences, including expulsion when necessary, citations to the criminal penalties and information on civil rights of action and remedies available to victims.
Schools must also provide lists of support services and resources available to victims, including mental health support services.
The legislation preserves First Amendment protections and is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical or political views, provided such expression does not cause actual material disruption of school work.
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