State lawmakers have introduced bills that would define and penalize bullying.
Bullying would be defined as “the intent to place an individual or group in fear of personal injury or property damage; or the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm an individual or group.”
Offenses committed by minors would be a third-degree misdemeanor. Offenses committed by adults would be a second-degree misdemeanor. Third and subsequent offenses would be graded higher.
The House bill is expected to be assigned to a committee this week. The Senate bill is in the Judiciary Committee.