DFLers who want to use the upcoming special session on disaster relief to pass an anti-bullying bill said Wednesday that a recent spurt of student harassment in schools demands emergency action.
But state Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, a chief sponsor, said he has gotten no word from DFL leadership that they would actually hear such a bill during the special session. He said the matter is under discussion.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders reached a tentative agreement Tuesday to provide up to $80 million in state relief for areas ravaged by floods and tornadoes. The anti-bullying measure was not part of the package.
The governor has been waiting for the federal government to declare areas of Minnesota a disaster before setting the date for the special session.
Late Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said President Obama had declared 21 Minnesota counties disaster areas, making them eligible for federal aid and clearing the way for Pawlenty to call the special session.
If the bullying bill is introduced, it would compel all Minnesota schools to implement policies that prohibit harassment based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation or a number of other factors. Rep. Jim Davnie, DFL-Minneapolis, is sponsoring the measure in the House.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller did not respond Wednesday to questions about whether they would hear the bill during the special session. Similar legislation was passed in 2009, but Pawlenty vetoed it.
Pawlenty spokesman Bruce Gordon said "there's no need to duplicate existing Minnesota law, which prohibits it ... The special session should be focused only on providing disaster relief to Minnesotans in need."
