Bill targeting electronic bullying clears panel

A proposal trying to crack down on bullying that happens over the Internet, through text messages or on social networks has cleared a legislative committee.

The Wisconsin Senate’s Education Committee voted unanimously Thursday to approve the measure that takes on cyberbullying.

Current law prohibits sending a message via email or other messaging system with intent to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass another person. The proposal also makes it illegal to publically post a message intentionally threatening to harm any person or property.

The bill by Sen. Tim Cullen, of Janesville, also requires the state Department of Public Instruction to update its model school policy on bullying to include bullying by electronic means.