Minnesota House Cracks Down on School Bullying

The House passed the bill on Monday by a vote of 72-57. It defines bullying, and includes a list of characteristics that are often grounds for bullying. It requires training for teachers and school officials and compels them to report cases of bullying. Schools that don't implement an anti-bullying policy could lose state aid.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Jim Davnie of Minneapolis, says a "checkerboard" of different policies between schools leaves some students vulnerable to bullies. Republicans say such policies should be set by local school boards and could place students at risk of being considered bullies for expressing religious views.

The Senate has not yet voted on the anti-bullying bill.