SB 1343 - Current law requires every school district to adopt a policy about how and what information the district releases to other school districts about former employees. Beginning January 1, 2025, this act also requires such policies to include certain information about screened volunteers. A "screened volunteer" is defined in the act as any individual who assists a school by providing an uncompensated service, who may periodically be left alone with students, and who has successfully completed a criminal background check. The act applies to screened volunteers existing requirements related to allegations of sexual misconduct. Additionally, the act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to maintain a database of screened volunteers who have been dismissed from volunteer service as a result of allegations of sexual misconduct involving students or children, as provided in the act.

The act also adds employees of statewide athletic associations to the current list of mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect under existing law.

This act is similar to SB 417 (2023), HB 139 (2023), provisions in SS/SCS/SB 40 (2023), HCS/HB 1955 (2022), and HCS/HB 1955 (2022).

OLIVIA SHANNON