State Rep. Pat Harkins, right, and I requested the House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing to delve into bullying issues that are plaguing communities across the state. At left is Policy Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.

My Erie colleague in the state House of Representatives, Pat Harkins, makes a point about bullying during discussions at the Villa Maria Academy.

My Erie colleague in the state House of Representatives, Pat Harkins, makes a point about bullying during discussions at the Villa Maria Academy.

I'm sponsoring three bills that would would add definitions and penalties for bullying offenses into state law, protect students’ rights and expand bullying policies to apply to actions such as harassment, intimidation and cyber-bullying.