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Bill > SB181


KY SB181

KY SB181
AN ACT relating to children.


summary

Introduced
02/14/2025
In Committee
03/28/2025
Crossed Over
03/06/2025
Passed
04/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/01/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 160 to define terms; direct each local board of education to designate one or more programs or applications as a traceable communication system that shall be the exclusive means for school district employees and volunteers to communicate electronically with students; provide that a parent may submit written consent for a designated school district employee or volunteer to communicate electronically with a student outside of the traceable communication system; exclude communications between a parent that is a school district employee or volunteer and his or her own children; establish a mandatory duty to report violations for school employees and volunteers; require principals, superintendents, and the commissioner of education to notify parents of allegations of unauthorized electronic communication involving their children; require principals, superintendents, and the commissioner of education to report alleged violations to the Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB); require principals, superintendents, the commissioner of education, and EPSB to investigate designated allegations of unauthorized electronic communication; establish the methods of disciplinary action for a violation; amend KRS 161.120 to provide that the identity of complainants alleging unauthorized electronic communication, sexual contact, or other sexual misconduct that are dismissed and minors invovled in the complaint to remain confidential; provide that EPSB will have 120 days to conduct the initial review of complaints alleging unauthorized electronic communication, sexual contact, or other sexual misconduct.

AI Summary

This bill creates a comprehensive framework for regulating electronic communication between school district employees or volunteers and students, with the primary goal of protecting children from potential inappropriate digital interactions. The legislation requires each local board of education to designate a "traceable communication system" as the exclusive means for electronic communication between school employees and students, which must allow parents to access and review all communications. School district employees and volunteers are prohibited from communicating with students electronically outside of this system without prior written parental consent, with exceptions made for communications with family members who are school employees. The bill establishes mandatory reporting requirements for any potential unauthorized electronic communication, with principals, superintendents, and the Commissioner of Education required to investigate and report such allegations to the Educational Professional Standards Board (EPSB). Violations can result in disciplinary actions, including potential termination of employment for certified or classified employees and prohibition from future volunteer opportunities. The legislation also includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of complainants in cases involving electronic communication, sexual contact, or other sexual misconduct, and sets a 120-day timeline for the EPSB to conduct initial reviews of such complaints.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 149) (on 04/01/2025)

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