The County Legislature unanimously approved a new local law Thursday that would make electronic harassment and bullying against minors and students punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to a year in jail.
Legislator Edward A. Rath III, a Republican from Williamsville, proposed updating the county's laws to specifically address cyberbullying after the death of 14- year-old Jamey Rodemeyer in September. Jamey was a freshman at Williamsville North High School who committed suicide after complaining of being bullied online. The proposal will require approval from County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz to become law. The new proposal would make cyberbullying an unclassified misdemeanor. With that charge, Rath said, most cases against children under 18 would be handled in Family Court and would not result in jail time. Poloncarz will hold a public hearing on the proposal before deciding whether to support it.
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