This bill amends current law regarding the complaint process for teaching discrimination. It requires that complaints be made to the local school board and allows for appeals to the state board of education. The bill also allows educators or other school employees who are falsely accused of teaching discrimination to initiate a civil action for legal or equitable relief.

The bill inserts new language that requires complaints to be made to the local school board and allows for appeals to the state board of education. It also inserts language defining "educator" and allowing falsely accused educators or school staff members to initiate a civil action for relief. The bill deletes language allowing the attorney general to initiate a civil action and language regarding disciplinary sanctions by the state board of education. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it is unclear how many complaints may be filed and how it may impact the expenditures of the Department of Education and local school districts. The Human Rights Commission states that confusion may arise regarding where to file discrimination charges, and the Judicial Branch is unable to estimate the impact on court filings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193:40