Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is applauding the Senate for passing Senate Bill 1100. It is an anti-bullying measure that makes it a crime to “threaten, intimidate or harass, or threaten to inflict injury, physical harm, or severe emotional distress” to another person. The methods could be in person or through electronic devices.
Drummond says it is important the state address bullying in light of two recent suicides of teenagers who were allegedly bullied.
“Schools are seeing firsthand the crisis of teen suicide and how it can be stoked by horrific bullying,” he said. “Laws cannot force people to be kind to one another, but we can ensure there are consequences to the sort of bullying that leads to tragedies such as those we have seen in Mustang and Owasso.”
Senator Paul Rosino is the author of Senate Bill 1100.
“No child in our state should ever feel that ending their life is the only way to escape harassment or bullying. As cyberbullying persists and worsens, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our youth and do everything in our power to prevent these tragedies,” he said. “This legislation will hold those who inflict harm accountable and will offer further protections for young Oklahomans who have fallen victim to bullying or cyberbullying.”
The first bullying offense would carry the possibility of one year in jail and a $500 fine. The second offense could bring up to two years in prison and a $2,000. Subsequent violations would carry a maximum punishment of up to ten years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The penalty increases if bullying can be shown to be “the proximate cause” of a suicide or attempted suicide.
SB 1100 now moves to the House for consideration.
