CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A Senate budget committee has passed a bill backed by Gov. Brian Sandoval that would implement a broad anti-bullying program throughout Nevada's school system.
Members of the Senate Finance Committee voted Thursday to approve SB504, which would create an Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment within the Nevada Department of Education.
Sandoval's budget proposes allocating $36 million over the next two years to hire one school social worker for every 250 students and execute the goals of the anti-bullying office.
SB504 would also strengthen reporting requirements for bullying incidents, and create a 24-hour hotline and a website for submitting complaints.
The vote came during a hearing for several programs Sandoval has proposed to target English language learners and students in poverty.