DFL proponents of using the upcoming special session on flood and tornado relief to pass a bill strengthening prohibitions against bullying in schools said Wednesday that a recent spurt of harassment of gays and other students demands emergency action. But Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, one of the sponsors of the proposed legislation, said he has received no hint from DFL leadership that they would allow the bill to be heard during the special session. Dibble added that DFL leadership hasn't ruled out hearing the bill and that the matter is under discussion.

Dibble also denied that the bill is being introduced now to put Rep. Tom Emmer, the GOP candidate for governor, on the spot shortly before the election. Emmer opposed an earlier effort to pass anti-bullying legislation.

Similar legislation passed in 2009 but Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed it.

Reacting to the possibility of anti-bullying legislation being considered in the special session, Pawlenty spokesman Bruce Gordon said, "Bullying is a serious issue but there's no need to duplicate existing Minnesota law which prohibits it. If the legislature wanted to improve the existing law, they could have accepted our invitation to do so last session, but they choose not to.'

"Nevertheless, the special session should be focused only on providing disaster relief to Minnesotans in need. The legislature will reconvene in January – less than 90 days - to address other matters."


It was unclear Wednesday if the bill could interfere with the special session, but a super-majority of lawmakers would be needed to sidestep the normal hearing process and bring it to a vote in a single day, an unlikely prospect.

However, the issue was already playing out in gubernatorial politics.

DFL candidate Mark Dayton issued a statement supporting the initiative, saying "The time is now to speak out, lead, and act to protect all Minnesota's youth." The governor and legislative leaders reached a tentative agreement Tuesday on the terms of flood and tornado relief to be considered in a special session, which will be scheduled once the federal government declares areas of Minnesota a disaster. The anti-bullying measure was not part of the package.

Sen. Mike Parry, R-Waseca, has criticized bringing the issue to the special session, saying it could hamper or delay passage of relief for flood and tornado damage. The agreement between Pawlenty and legislators calls for up to $80 million in state relief that could be part of more than $200 million in spending that includes federal funds.

"It's disappointing to learn that the upcoming special session has become a forum for member's personal agendas and that the focus has been taken off those whose lives have been devastated by flooding and tornados," said Senate Republican Leader Dave Senjem, R-Rochester.

Asked whether the anti-bullying legislation could jeopardize the disaster relief, Dibble said, "I don't think we're running the risk of sacrificing anything."

He noted that the governor can call a special session and the legislature can determine its duration and direction.