JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri Senate committee has endorsed a measure to repeal a contentious new law restricting teachers' interaction with students over websites such as Facebook.
The Senate Education Committee voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to repeal the law and replace it with one simply requiring school districts to adopt policies on electronic communications between employees and students.
The action comes after a Missouri judge issued an order last month blocking the new state law from taking effect. The judge cited concerns that it could violate free speech rights.
After the court ruling, Gov. Jay Nixon asked lawmakers to repeal the law during a special session that began this week.
The legislation endorsed Wednesday goes beyond Nixon's proclamation by also addressing district policies. The bill now goes to the full Senate.