Pubdate: Sat, 25 Mar 2006
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2006 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact:  http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240
Author: Ryan Alessi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

BULLY BAN ADDED TO DRUG-TESTING LEGISLATION

Democrats Revive Educator-Sponsored Bill Stalled In Senate

FRANKFORT -- The House yesterday took another crack at pushing 
through a bill that's aimed at curbing bullying in schools.

The proposal -- sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, and 
supported by various education groups -- has languished in a Senate 
committee because some senators have deemed it unnecessary.

The bill would require schools to have a plan in place to deal with 
disruptive students. Many school districts already have enacted such policies.

With the original bill stalled, the House tacked the measure onto a 
bill requiring teachers to take drug tests. That legislation was 
sponsored by Republican Senate President David Williams.

The House overwhelmingly approved the measure with a 91-1 vote.

Cherry said the teacher drug testing bill was "an appropriate fit" 
for the bullying bill because both are meant to ensure student safety.

"I hope this will give the Senate an opportunity to be able to 
consider it," he said of the fact that his proposal was attached to 
the Senate leader's legislation.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom