Oregon Senate Votes to Toughen Anti-Bullying Policy

A bill intended to reduce the amount of bullying in Oregon schools is headed to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for his signature.

The Oregon Senate followed the House’s lead in approving a bill that requires school districts to establish clear, uniform policies to combat bullying and to designate specific employees to investigate incidents.

House Bill 2599 also modifies the definition of bullying, streamlines the complaint process and encourages training for school employees.

Sen. Mark Hass says the action is needed because bullied children are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and drug abuse, and those problems sometimes linger into adulthood.

Topics Oregon Politics