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Bill > H1471


MA H1471

Establishing employee screening requirements in schools to prevent child sexual abuse


summary

Introduced
03/29/2021
In Committee
03/29/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

Relative to screening of prospective school employees for prior investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct. The Judiciary.

AI Summary

This bill establishes employee screening requirements in schools to prevent child sexual abuse. The key provisions are: 1. Schools must require job applicants for positions involving direct or regular contact with students to provide information about their employment history, including any past investigations or disciplinary actions related to child abuse or sexual misconduct. 2. Schools must conduct a review of the applicant's employment history by contacting their current and former employers to verify the information provided. 3. Schools may hire an applicant on a provisional basis for up to 90 days while reviewing the information received, as long as the applicant has provided all required documentation and the school administrator has no knowledge of disqualifying information. 4. The bill prohibits schools from entering into agreements that would interfere with reporting requirements related to child abuse investigations. 5. The bill provides immunity from liability for employers who provide good faith references about a current or former employee's job performance and professional conduct. 6. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to develop standardized forms and provide information to assist applicants and employers in complying with the new requirements.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (26)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5205 (on 09/01/2022)

bill text


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