SPONSOR: Unsicker
This bill removes the requirement that, when a student is believed to have committed an act, if committed by an adult, would be assault in the third degree or harassment on school property, including a school bus in service on behalf of the district, or while involved in school activities, the principal immediately report such incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the superintendent. The principal must still report to law enforcement, the superintendent, and the parents of any victim as soon as reasonably practical when a student commits any offense specified in Subsection 2 of Section 160.261, RSMo.
Currently, when a pupil is discovered to have on his or her person, among the pupil's possessions, or placed elsewhere on the school premises any controlled substance or any weapon, the principal is required to report the discovery to the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately. This bill changes the requirement to being reported as soon as reasonably practical. Furthermore, the bill specifies that, any time a teacher becomes aware of such possession, he or she shall report such incident to the principal as soon as reasonably practical.
The bill provides civil immunity for school employees, superintendents, or their designees who provide information to law enforcement or juvenile authorities regarding an instance in which a pupil is believed to have committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would be assault in the third degree or assault in the fourth degree.
This bill is similar to HCS HB 1803 (2018) and HB 62 (2019).
Statutes affected: