AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) -- The Senate has passed a bill that would allow Texas schools to prohibit bullying, both in person and online.
Houston state Sen. John Whitmire's bill requires schools to develop a policy to prohibit, prevent and punish students who bully others. The bill passed on a 30-1 vote.
The proposed law defines bullying as any effort to harass or intimidate a student in person or using the Internet.
The bill follows recent high-profile cases where public school children committed suicide after being bullied.
Schools would also have to explain to students what is considered bullying and possible punishments, if the bill becomes law.
The Senate bill will now go to the House for consideration.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
