Bill > S1166

This bill establishes comprehensive screening requirements for school employees to prevent sexual abuse and misconduct by creating a detailed hiring process that mandates extensive background checks and disclosure requirements. The legislation requires schools, charter schools, and contracted service providers to obtain detailed employment history from job applicants, including a list of current and former employers, written authorizations for disclosure, and statements about any prior investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct. Specifically, applicants must disclose any previous investigations, disciplinary actions, or professional license suspensions related to abuse or sexual misconduct. Schools must conduct thorough reviews of an applicant's employment history by contacting previous employers, checking the Central Registry of the department of children and families, and verifying professional certification status. The bill prohibits hiring applicants with substantiated findings of child abuse and allows provisional hiring for up to 90 days while background checks are completed. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to protect whistleblowers, impose civil penalties for violations, require annual reporting of sexual misconduct data, and mandate that the Department of Education develop standardized forms and notify schools about the new requirements. The goal is to create a robust screening process that helps prevent individuals with a history of sexual misconduct from working in positions involving direct contact with children.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1166