Substitute House Bill No. 5327 aims to improve the hiring process for school employees by enhancing disclosure requirements related to investigations of abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct involving minors. The bill amends Section 10-222c of the general statutes, which will be repealed and replaced with new provisions effective July 1, 2026. Key insertions include mandates for applicants to provide written statements regarding any past investigations or allegations of misconduct, and for local education boards to conduct thorough reviews of applicants' employment histories, including contacting previous employers. The bill also requires local education boards to notify the Department of Education if they receive information about an applicant being under investigation or having been disciplined for such misconduct.

Additionally, the bill prohibits school governing entities from hiring applicants who are currently under investigation or have substantiated allegations of abuse, neglect, or misconduct involving minors. It also prohibits agreements that suppress or require nondisclosure of information related to such investigations and raises the standard for expungement of allegations, allowing it only when an allegation is proven false. The bill expands the definitions of "sexual misconduct" and "abuse or neglect," and mandates that contractors report any findings of misconduct related to their employees who have direct contact with students. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more thorough vetting process for individuals seeking employment in educational settings, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-222c
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-222c
File No. 381: 10-222c