The bill amends Chapter 16-12 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 16-12-12, which requires school districts to consult a specific list when hiring teachers who are new to the district. This section provides definitions for key terms, including "Applicant," which refers to an individual applying for a teaching position who is currently or was previously employed by a different school district; "Department," which denotes the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and "Employer," which refers to a school district employer.

Before hiring an applicant, a school district must contact the Department, which will disclose whether the applicant's name appears on a list of teachers who have been terminated for good and just cause, as maintained by the Department pursuant to section 16-13-9. This act is set to take effect upon passage.