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Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20130&cosponId=13170
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: August 13, 2013 11:18 AM
From: Senator John P. Blake
To: All Senate members
Subject: Blake: Bullying - Definitions and Penalties
 
I will soon be introducing legislation to define and penalize the offense of “bullying” in Pennsylvania. At present, the Pennsylvania Crimes Code does not define “bullying,” but rather leaves authorities no option other than to categorize such behavior under one of four, often unsuitable statutory offenses: disorderly conduct, harassment, simple assault, or terroristic threats. My legislation would define the crime of “bullying” as the intent to: harass, annoy, alarm or intimidate another individual or group of individuals; or, place another individual or group of individuals in fear of personal injury or property damage.

An offense committed by a minor would constitute a third degree misdemeanor, with a third or subsequent offense constituting a second degree misdemeanor. Offenses committed by an adult would constitute a second degree misdemeanor with a third or subsequent offense constituting a first degree misdemeanor.

While bullying has been present on the playground, on the school bus, in the classroom, and in the workplace for ages; the advent of the internet and social media has made it nearly impossible for victims to escape such abuse. After meeting with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s office and reading some now-infamous accounts of how modern-day bullying has lead to suicide and other horrible aftereffects, I felt compelled to introduce this legislation without delay.

My legislation is modeled after House Bill 99, introduced this session by my friend and colleague Representative Mike O’Brien. I am also proud to join in this effort already taken up by my Senate colleagues – Senators LeAnna Washington and Larry Farnese – who are introducing a bill to provide for an Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.

While we should not attempt to legislate morality, we have a duty to protect the vulnerable and abused of all ages by supporting this serious deterrent to such behavior.

If you have questions about this legislation, please contact Kyle Mullins of my staff at 717-787-6481 or kmullins@pasenate.com.