Comment on Colorado's Anti-Bullying Bill Up For Hearing This Week

The Colorado House of Representatives is scheduled to review a bill this week that would amend the state's anti-bullying laws to require dress codes that "encourage school pride and unity," and mandate that teachers receive regular lessons in how to deal with bullying. The legislation would also create a cash fund aimed at the problem of bullying and suicides in schools.House Bill 1254, co-sponsored by Republican Kevin Priola and Democrat Sue Schafer, would also establish new reporting requirements for notifying authorities about bullying incidents, prevent the punishment of students for reporting bullies, and allow schools to share behavior records.The bill comes in the wake of increased national attention to school bullying after several high-profile teen suicides.