ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Senate education panel has approved a bill that would expand schools' anti-bullying policies.
The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble of Minneapolis lists more than a dozen characteristics that could be targets for harassment. They include sexual orientation, socio-economic status and national origin.
Dibble has said it's important to include many examples of bullying so it's clear to school officials what types of behavior won't be tolerated.
Republican Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie opposed the bill, saying it could open up more possibilities for lawsuits.
The bill now goes to the Senate floor.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
