Blunt to sign bill making cyberbullying illegal

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) -- A measure outlawing cyberbullying is about to become law in Missouri.

Gov. Matt Blunt is scheduled to sign the bill Friday afternoon at a library in St. Charles County.

The bill signing will occur just a couple of miles from the neighborhood where 13-year-old Megan Meier hanged herself in 2006 after receiving cruel over the Internet. Last month, a former neighbor of the girl, 49-year-old Lori Drew, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the case.

The bill updates state laws against harassment to keep pace with technology by removing the requirement that the communication be written or over the telephone. Supporters say the bill will now cover harassment from computers, text messages and other electronic devices.