NEVADA: Anti-Bullying Bill Approved

Via the Associated Press:

The Nevada Legislature on Wednesday passed a sweeping anti-bullying measure supported by Gov. Brian Sandoval despite some Republican concerns that it was rushed. Assembly members voted 36-6 on Wednesday to approve SB 504. The measure, which includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, now heads to Sandoval’s desk for final approval. The bill revises the definition of bullying and creates a separate anti-bullying office within the Nevada Department of Education. It would also strengthen reporting requirements for bullying incidents, and create a 24-hour hotline and a website for submitting complaints. Once signed into law, twenty states plus the District of Columbia will have state laws that specifically protect LGBT students from bullying, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

The bill establishes a separate anti-bullying office in the state government and requires the creation of a hotline and website for students and parents to submit complaints.