Oklahoma House Votes Down Anti-Cyber Bullying Legislation

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma House defeated a measure Monday that would have added cyber bullying to Oklahoma's anti-bullying laws.

House Bill 1461 would have also strengthened anti-bullying programs in schools by requiring training for teachers and staff in how to identify and deal with bullies.

The House originally passed HB 1461 in March, but the bill was amended by the Senate and a conference committee. The revamped version failed with a vote of 44 – 52.

State Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing) introduced the bill after a boy in her district committed suicide. Ty Field, an 11-year-old from Perkins, shot himself last year after months of being bullied for months by a classmate.

Rep. Denney says it was extremely disappointing to see the bill defeated, but the fight is not over.

"It's dead for this session and we'd have to change it and bring it back next year, but it's not out of the question," said Rep. Denney.  "I believe we need to take a stand on cyber bullying. It is not something I take lightly."

More:

• Oklahoma Lawmaker To Propose Anti-Bullying Measure
• Family Blames Bullying for Son's Suicide