Senate Bill 46 Would Abolish Hiding Teacher Misconduct

12/23/2013 10:46:00 AM

Legislation that would require prospective employers attain past employment files of teachers is gaining momentum in the PA General Assembly. Under the bill, Senate Bill 46, prospective employers (school districts) would be required to obtain from all past and present employers information regarding whether the current or former employee had been “the subject of a sexual abuse or misconduct investigation, has ever resigned from or left employment while allegations of such misconduct were pending, or has ever had a license, professional license or certificate suspended or revoked.” This mandate would be applicable for all positions of employment at school entities for anyone involved in direct contact with children. Agreements that would suppress any such information would be prohibited and immunity from civil liability would be granted to those parties disclosing the information unless the information or records provided were known to be false. SB 46 passed the Senate with a unanimous vote, was approved by the House Education Committee, and is now awaiting consideration by the full PA House of Representatives.