CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A Nevada Assembly panel has approved a comprehensive anti-bullying measure backed by Gov. Brian Sandoval.
Lawmakers on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee voted 13-2 to approve SB504 on Tuesday. It now heads to the Assembly floor for 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.
Sandoval's budget proposes allocating $36 million to hire one school social worker for every 250 students and execute anti-bullying office goals. State superintendent Dale Erquiaga said that budget request will be reviewed later this week.
The measure passed out of the Senate on an 18-1 vote in April.