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House education committee OKs anti-bullying legislation

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March 2nd, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Legislation aimed at expanding guidelines for Iowa educators who respond to school bullying has advanced in the House. An education committee voted 19-4 Monday in favor of the bill. The full House can now debate it. The measure would clarify the ability of educators to monitor bullying off school grounds. It would also expand parental notification language and the definition of cyberbullying.

After several changes to the bill Monday, it now better mirrors Senate legislation. Rep. Quentin Stanerson, a Center Point Republican, says a $200,000 appropriation for teacher training and a student mentoring program would remain in the bill.

That’s different than the Senate. Sen. Robert Hogg, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, says removing the appropriation helps the legislation’s chances. He says he wants to secure funding through another legislative process.