Politics & Government
Anti-Bullying Legislation Fails in IL Senate
Bill requiring schools to adopt more detailed policies to prevent bullying could come up again for a vote this session.
The Illinois State Senate Tuesday by one vote turned back a bill requiring schools to adopt more detailed policies to prevent bullying.
Senators Susan Garrett (D), Jeffrey Schoenberg (D) and Terry Link (D) who represent parts of Northbrook voted for the bill.
Thirty votes were required for passage in the Senate; the measure could come up again during the current session.
Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
HB 5290 would have required schools to include a definition of bullying and a statement saying it was against the law. The policies would have spelled out how allegations could be submitted anonymously and how they would be investigated, according to the State Journal-Register of Springfield.
A description of what could happen to students who bully others, such as counseling or community service, also would have to be set out, according to the State Journal-Register.
Find out what's happening in Northbrookwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Opponents feared the bill would be used as a cover to indoctrinate students on homosexuality, a charge supporters denied, according to the State Journal-Register.
The measure was approved by the House in March. State Reps. Karen May (D), Elaine Nekritz (D), Carol Sente (D) and Daniel Biss (D) who represent all or parts of Northbrook voted for the bill.
