The Senate's education chairwoman, Rosemary McAuliffe, a Democrat from the Seattle suburbs, said the point was to foster a "culture of respect and civility." The bill would require each of the state's 296 school districts to adopt strict policies against harassment, intimidation and bullying, and to train staff members to spot and deal with bullying. No specific penalties were set.

The measure passed 36-13.

The no votes were all from Republicans, several of whom said it was ridiculous to think a government law could fix the age-old problem of bullies, or force people to be nice to each other.

"We've got a generation that is perfectly uninhibited," said Senator Harold Hochstatter, a Republican of Moses Lake, in central Washington. "The teacher used to rule her classroom with a 12-inch ruler and common sense. Now we have murder, aggravated rape and drug-dealing."

The bill's supporters say it may just help avert more violence, but skeptics noted that the California high school where the shooting occurred already had antibullying programs, including provisions for anonymous tips about students making threats, and programs to help teenagers get along, like one called "Names can really hurt us."

The Washington State bill now goes to the House. It has been endorsed by Governor Gary Locke and Attorney General Christine Gregoire, both Democrats.