General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5327 aims to improve the hiring process for school employees by enhancing transparency regarding applicants' backgrounds, particularly concerning abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct. The bill amends Section 10-222c of the general statutes, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, by allowing the disclosure of information related to ongoing investigations and requiring applicants for positions with direct student contact to provide detailed employment histories, including any past investigations or disciplinary actions. It mandates that educational entities conduct thorough reviews of applicants' histories and seek information from the Department of Education about any pending investigations or substantiated findings. Notably, the bill prohibits agreements that suppress or require nondisclosure of such information and allows for temporary employment of applicants for up to ninety days while the review process is completed.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the definitions and responsibilities surrounding the hiring practices of local and regional boards of education. It replaces the term "assault" with "misconduct" and requires the State Board of Education to provide information about applicants, including findings of abuse or neglect and any disciplinary actions taken by previous employers. The bill also clarifies the types of information that can be shared and emphasizes the importance of transparency in reporting findings of misconduct. It establishes protections for employers who provide information in good faith and prohibits hiring individuals with a history of misconduct. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5327 seeks to create a safer educational environment by enforcing stricter hiring practices and accountability measures.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-222c