FRANKFORT —
A bill that would designate each October as Anti-Bullying Month in Kentucky passed the House State Government Committee on Thursday.
House Bill 35, sponsored by Rep. Rita Smart, D-Richmond, would also designate a purple-and-yellow ribbon as the state’s official symbol for anti-bullying awareness.
The bill cleared the committee by a 28-0 vote and will go to the full House for consideration.
Smart presented the bill before the committee alongside Madison Middle School students and their Assistant Principal Scott Anderson, who first approached Smart about the legislation. “As a former teacher, I have used this as a learning experience for them,” Smart said of working with the students on her bill. One of the students, seventh-grader Bailee Vanover, told the committee “One of our top priorities is to ensure that students feel safe in school.” She added, “One of the biggest steps we can take is to tell an adult and take a stand against it, like we are doing today.”
The school rewards students for their efforts to prevent and stop bullying among the student body, Vanover said.
Anderson said the movement at Madison Middle School was begun by the school's students, who wanted their school colors of purple and yellow to be the official colors of a statewide anti-bullying campaign. Purple ribbons are often used to commemorate victims of domestic violence, while yellow ribbons often commemorate bullying victims who have committed suicide, said Anderson.
HB 35 was placed on the House “consent calendar,” or a list of bills that are presumed to pass without any opposition. The bill would be sent to the Senate for consideration upon its passage in the House.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Four Madison Middle School students, eight-graders Jason and Jackson Hurt and seventh-graders Bailee Vanover and Nick Middleton appeared with state Rep. Rita Smart, D-Richmond, on Thursday as she testified before the House State Government Committee in support of anti-bullying legislation she is sponsoring.
Anti-Bullying Month bill clears committee
Heads to House floor
- Local News
-
-
Board eyes cost-cutting options
In a special-called work session Tuesday, the Madison County School Board looked at ways of reducing a projected $2.84 million draw from its reserves to fund the 2013-14 budget.
-
‘Berea’s Unsung Heroes’
A group of Bereans were honored Tuesday night at the Berea Community School Board, many of which had never been in the spotlight before.
-
Berea relaxes yard sale ordinance, may restrict fireworks
The Berea City Council adopted a new yard sale ordinance Tuesday, but only after it was amended twice.
-
Items stolen, but no one injured in home invasion
Berea police are looking for a man who broke into a First Street home Monday and threatened a resident with a knife.
-
Madison County veterans to host Memorial Day ceremonies
The Madison County Veterans Association, which includes a number of local veterans’ organizations, will be hosting two Memorial Day ceremonies Monday.
The first will take place at the Richmond Cemetery near the flagpole at 10 a.m., and the second will follow at noon in Madison County Memorial Gardens on Berea Road.
Everett King of the American Legion, which is coordinating this year’s events, said U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Sixth District, will be present at the morning ceremony.
Every year the Memorial Day event has a theme. Last year’s theme was honoring Vietnam veterans, King said, while this year’s theme is honoring all American soldiers. -
Another arrest made in rash of business burglaries
Another local man has been arrested in connection with a “smash-and-grab” business burglary in April.
-
Memorial Day 5K to benefit Hospice Care Plus
For the second year, Chick-fil-A is donating the proceeds from its Spicy Memorial Day 5K race to Hospice Care Plus.
-
Donations to national charities is best way to help disaster victims
The best way to help with relief efforts associated with the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma is to contact national organizations such as the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, according to a statement from the Madison County Emergency Management Agency.
-
‘Etta May’s On Her Way’ for Model Lab benefit
Laughter will fill Eastern Kentucky University’s Keen Johnson Ballroom June 8 when southern comedienne Etta May comes to town for Model Laboratory School’s first annual fundraising event.
Half of the ticket proceeds will be donated to help five Model program: Scholarships, gifted programs, the arts, athletics and extended field trips or exchange programs, said school psychologist Ellen Rini. -
Court hearing reveals errors in trafficking case’s investigative file
A discrepancy in police records led to an unusual hearing in a drug trafficking case Thursday in Madison Circuit Court.
The attorney for 49-year-old Carla Rae Clontz made a motion earlier this month for a bill of particulars hearing. Both the prosecution and defense attorneys had noticed problems with the file numbers in Clontz’ case, and there also were different reports of the number of pills sheriff’s deputies allege were found in her home. - More Local News Headlines
-
Board eyes cost-cutting options
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
