AUSTIN – Senate Bill 179 in the Texas Legislature, also known as David’s Law, is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after receiving a majority of votes in the state House and a unanimous vote in the Senate.
The law is targeted at combating and preventing cyberbullying. It is named after David Molak who took his own life after becoming the victim of cyberbullies.
SB 179 passed the Senate on May 3 and the House on May 12.
"Our family is still taking it in. We've had several calls and phone calls and have gone back and forth with lawmakers and it's a day to celebrate because it has been a lot of work and a lot of effort," said Matt Molak, David Molak's father.
State Sen. Jose Menendez and state Rep. Ina Minjarez sponsored the measure.
Menendez released the following statement about the David's Law:
"Today Senators from both parties, from every walk of life, and from every corner of the state spoke with one voice in unanimous support of David's Law. We owe the passage of Senate Bill 179 to the families who ensured the death of their child would result in a change of bullying policies across the state. They bared their tragedy to the legislature and urged us to act. Today, we did. David's Law will empower schools, parents, and law enforcement to tackle cyberbullying. However, I hope it does more than that. I hope it signals a change in our culture - a reprioritization of our values. The Texas Legislature took a strong stance against bullying. I know the ripple effects will save a child's life."
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