Oregon Public Broadcasting

Governor Ted Kulongoski signed a bill Friday that directs Oregon schools to draft clear policies for dealing with bullies. April Baer reports.

Oregon's anti-bullying law took effect in 2004, but wasn't as explicit as this year's measure in saying what schools need to do about harassment.

The new rules require schools to adopt anti-bullying policies, and designate staff to deal with bullying incidents.

Supporters  of the new law include the Urban League or Portland, several teachers' unions, ACLU of Oregon, the Latino Network, and Basic Rights Oregon. Here's BRO's director, Jeanna Frazzini.

Jeanna Frazzini:   "We are very interested in seeing the details that are laid out in this bill realized in school district policies, and now the work that now must happen at the community level."

The bill mandates that districts get specific policies in place before classes start this fall.