AG Swanson: 13 pct of all MN children in grades 6,9, 12 bullied regularly once a week or more, about 100,000 kids.

Swanson: We want to open the windows and let the air in (re: bullying reporting)... we're trying to foster an environment where bullying would be reported and taken seriously.

Swanson's office: Proposed changes would
-- Prohibit students from engaging in bullying or in reprisal or retaliation against bullying victims or those who report bullying;
-- Establish procedures for immediate reporting of alleged acts of bullying or bullying‑related retaliation;
-- Establish procedures for schools to follow in investigating reports of alleged bullying or retaliation;
-- Establish disciplinary measures applicable to those who engage in bullying or bullying‑related retaliation, including graduated consequences for such behavior;
-- Require law enforcement to be notified if an investigation results in a reasonable suspicion that a crime may have occurred;
-- Establish strategies to protect bullying victims; and
-- Establish bullying prevention programs for all K-12 students.

Swanson: Some kids bullied and harassed because families are going through foreclosure.

Student William Voigt, 10, at press conference: Recalls a kid at his school being bullied physically and verbally over a speech impediment. Says other kids want to help but are scared bullies will pick on them, other kids just don't care...

Press conference on anti-bullying legislation is over.