Bill > HB4395

This bill expands the reporting requirements and investigation procedures for allegations of child safety violations involving school personnel in West Virginia. It mandates that not only principals but also any supervisor or administrator must report suspected employee conduct that jeopardizes student health, safety, or the learning environment to the county superintendent within 24 hours. The county superintendent's duty to report such employees to the state superintendent is also broadened to include those who resign or transfer during an investigation, and this reporting must now occur within seven business days. Importantly, investigations into allegations of jeopardizing student safety must continue even if the employee resigns or transfers before the investigation is complete. The state superintendent will maintain a confidential database of individuals investigated for these serious offenses, including the reason for the investigation, and nonpublic schools will have the option to contribute information to this database. The bill also clarifies that suspended employees may attend public school events or enter schools for parental duties, provided their presence does not pose a risk to students or disrupt school operations.