The proposed bill would amend current statutes by expanding the list of individuals required to report abuse of minors to include members of school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies. It also specifies that substitute teachers are subject to the same reporting obligations. Additionally, the bill mandates that any certificated or noncertificated personnel, as well as governing board and governing body members, must report any reasonable suspicion or allegations of misconduct involving minors to local law enforcement and the State Board of Education within three business days. Furthermore, it clarifies that reports made to school resource officers or safety officers do not fulfill the reporting requirements.

In terms of investigation protocols, the bill introduces specific requirements for cases involving sexual misconduct, including the obligation for school resource officers or administrators to forward all relevant information to local law enforcement. It also stipulates that only trained forensic interviewers may conduct interviews with potential victims. The definition of "unlawful reprisal" is expanded to include actions taken by personnel with control over decisions, and the bill defines "school safety officer" as a school resource officer working off-duty. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the protection of minors and ensure thorough reporting and investigation of misconduct in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3620, 15-514, 36-2281, 13-1404, 13-1405, 13-3401, 8-201, 13-3623, 13-3506, 13-3019, 13-3212, 13-3608, 13-1214
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-3620, 15-514, 36-2281, 13-1404, 13-1405, 13-3401, 8-201, 13-3623, 13-3506, 13-3019, 13-3212, 13-3608, 13-1214