Minnesota Lawmakers Plan Renewed Anti-Bullying Push

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers are expected to try again this year to strengthen a state law meant to prevent bullying in schools.

Supporters say there will be a renewed push in the session that starts next month. Last year, the House passed a tougher anti-bullying bill but it got tied up in the Senate.

Advocates say the state's current policy is one of the weakest in the nation. It requires districts to have policies to prevent bullying but has no guidance on what it should entail. The proposed law would require schools to investigate all cases of bullying, and train teachers to spot and prevent it.

Critics question the costs for school districts, and some religious groups opposed the bill's protections for gay and lesbian students.