Bill > SB160

This bill modifies existing California Education Code sections to enhance reporting and record-keeping related to misconduct by classified school employees, which are individuals employed by school districts or charter schools in non-teaching roles such as custodians, bus drivers, or administrative staff. Specifically, it amends Section 44010 to include a reference to a new section, 45304.5, within the definition of a "sex offense." The core change is the addition of Section 45304.5, which mandates that school districts and charter schools must notify the California Department of Education (the department) within 30 days of a final decision when a classified employee is dismissed, suspended, or terminated due to misconduct against a child. The bill clarifies that "misconduct against a child" includes sex offenses as defined in Section 44010, aiding or abetting the unlawful sale or use of controlled substances by minors, and other specified offenses. Importantly, the school or charter school must also inform the affected employee in writing within 15 days of this notification. The department will maintain this information confidentially and will only provide it to other school districts or charter schools upon request for the purpose of verifying previous employment of a candidate. The department is also required to remove information if the employee is later acquitted or found to be factually innocent of the alleged misconduct. The bill also specifies that the employee must be informed in writing within 15 days of the notification to the department.