The Safer Students Act establishes stringent requirements for school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, contracted service providers, and institutions of higher education to conduct thorough reviews of prospective employees' employment histories, specifically focusing on any allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. The bill mandates that these entities verify employment history by contacting previous employers and obtaining relevant information regarding any investigations or disciplinary actions. It also introduces the role of a compliance specialist in each school district or institution to oversee adherence to these provisions and ensure proper reporting and investigation of allegations. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment for students by preventing individuals with a history of misconduct from being employed in positions involving regular contact with children.

Moreover, the bill outlines a comprehensive framework for investigating allegations of misconduct, requiring designated employees to initiate investigations within one school day of receiving credible information and complete them within ten school days. It mandates that results be reported to appropriate authorities, who will recommend actions based on findings. The bill also imposes penalties for noncompliance, including fines and potential withholding of state aid, and requires institutions of higher education to conduct thorough background checks and disclose any past investigations related to child abuse or sexual misconduct. By implementing these measures, the Safer Students Act aims to enhance student safety across K-12 and higher education institutions, ensuring accountability in hiring practices and responses to allegations of misconduct.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:17-56.61, 18A:6-7.7, 18A:6-7.9, 18A:6-7.10, 18A:6-7.13