texas

New Bill Aimed at Harsher Cyberbullying Penalties

Texas lawmakers will consider a proposal this session to make cyberbullying a crime.

State Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, introduced the bill in honor of a student who died by suicide after relentless cyberbullying.

David Molak died in January, and his family was with Menendez when he introduced the bill.

"This is going to set some ground rules and give a definition and some consequences for doing this, both on the criminal and civil side," said Matt Molak.

The bill also says schools are required to have a cyberbullying policy and that schools would have the power to investigate bullying that takes place off campus.

State Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, has filed the same bill in the Texas House of Representatives, and both chambers must approve the measure for it to advance.

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