Colorado House passes cyberbullying bill

Cyberbullying could soon be a misdemeanor harassment crime in Colorado.

State lawmakers are working on a bill to increase the penalties for online bullying. The proposal passed the House on Thursday and will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Under the bill, cyberbullying would be punishable by up to $750 in fines and up to six months in county jail.

Parents of bully victims said now is the time to take action.

“This enters your home, your private space, and it attacks the most vulnerable member of your family,” Marcella Cawiezell said. Her daughter was the victim of cyberbullying in fifth grade. “It changed the way she lives her life.”

Cawiezell said she’s hoping lawmakers will step in to help put a stop to online harassment.

“The wording was so offensive,” she said. “It’s a shame that that has to happen to children. The bill will help police take action and address it.”

A similar bill was voted down in the state Legislature last year. Opponents worry about infringing on free speech.