Intro: A bill that would protect students from sexual misconduct passed the Missouri House in a 139 to six landslide and made its way to the Senate Education Committee.
Erika Navarrete (Nahv-ah-rett) has more from Jefferson City.
The measure was prompted by a teacher who had a sexual affair with his 13-year-old student and was re-hired to teach in another district.
This legislation would require annual background checks for teachers and open communication between school districts to ensure good decisions while hiring.
Although Mike Wood from Missouri State Teachers Association said this bill will improve student safety and ensure that students are in a safe environment, he did have concerns in opposition.
Actuality: MIKE.WAV |
Run Time: 00:12 |
Description: "There's concerns. Within the bill there's a couple of revisions that teachers are guilty until proven innocent and I think we want to make sure it's the other way around. That if there is unsubstantiated reports out there, that those go away which is what they should." |