Bill > H516

This bill establishes comprehensive employee screening requirements for schools to prevent child sexual abuse by mandating extensive background checks and disclosure procedures for job applicants seeking positions involving direct contact with students. The bill requires applicants to provide detailed employment history, written authorizations for disclosure, and statements about any prior investigations or disciplinary actions related to child abuse or sexual misconduct. Schools must contact previous employers to verify the applicant's history, check the Central Registry of the department of children and families, and disqualify applicants with substantiated findings of physical or sexual abuse. The legislation defines key terms like "child abuse" and "sexual misconduct" and requires schools to gather and report data on sexual misconduct incidents annually. Employers who provide information in good faith are granted immunity from civil and criminal liability, and the bill establishes penalties for willful violations, including potential civil fines up to $10,000 and prohibition from contracting with schools. The bill aims to create a more rigorous screening process that helps prevent individuals with a history of inappropriate behavior toward children from working in educational settings, while also ensuring due process and providing standardized procedures for background investigations.

Education, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H516