AUGUSTA ( AP) — A legislative committee has endorsed an anti-bullying bill that would set guidelines for schools statewide.
The bill failed to move forward last year when critics said it would restrict free speech and be too costly to enforce.
Members of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee said Tuesday they have high hopes for a new version of the bill, which makes clear that students’ First Amendment rights are protected.
The Kennebec Journal reports that Democratic state Rep. Terry Morrison called it “a good day for the kids.”
The bill defines and prohibits bullying, and outlines alternative discipline strategies for schools, prevention policies and training for teachers. It also prohibits bullying online.
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