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Iowa lawmakers debate anti-bullying bills

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February 6th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bullying victims, school superintendents and other officials have testified before Iowa lawmakers to advocate for anti-bullying and anti-harassment legislation in the state. Education subcommittees in the House and Senate debated bills Thursday to address bullying situations in Iowa schools. Both will go before their respective education committees.

The bills require that parents receive notification on instances of bullying. It would allow school officials to respond to cases of cyberbullying as they affect students within schools, and ensure training for officials to handle the situations.

Republican Rep. Quentin Stanerson, of Center Point, says legislation won’t completely solve the bullying problem across the state but it will definitely be helpful. Gov. Terry Branstad has made cracking down on school bullying a priority this year.