Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Toledo area

LANSING (AP) -- A state House committee has approved legislation that would require Michigan schools to adopt anti-bullying policies.

The Democrat-led House Education Committee approved the bill Thursday by a 16-3 vote. The legislation aimed at protecting students from harassment next goes to the House for a vote on the floor.

Similar measures have been introduced by Michigan lawmakers for nearly a decade without gaining final approval and becoming state law. Supporters say the pending bills have been altered and have a better chance at passage this year.

Schools would be asked to include measures to investigate bullying complaints.

Supporters of the legislation say several bullying-related suicides have occurred in Michigan in the past decade.

---

The anti-bullying legislation is House Bill 4580.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)