This bill mandates that institutions of higher education conduct thorough background checks on prospective employees who will have regular contact with students, specifically to investigate any allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. Applicants must provide a list of their previous employers from the last 20 years, particularly those that are educational institutions or involved direct contact with children. They are also required to submit a written authorization for the disclosure of their employment history and a statement regarding any past investigations or disciplinary actions related to child abuse or sexual misconduct. Institutions must contact these employers to verify the information provided and assess any potential risks associated with hiring the applicant.

Additionally, the bill prohibits institutions from entering into agreements that would suppress or destroy information related to investigations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. It establishes penalties for applicants who provide false information or fail to disclose required details, including potential termination of employment and civil penalties. The governing body of an institution is also granted the authority to terminate employment if new information regarding an applicant's history of misconduct is discovered after hiring. The bill aims to extend protections against sexual predators to college and graduate students, ensuring a safer educational environment.