Relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of certain specified school employees, complaints against school employees and the investigation of complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners

This bill relates to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of licensed school employees who engage in grooming behavior toward students of the abuse of students. Current law requires the board of directors of a school district or area education agency, the superintendent of a school district, the chief administrator of an area education agency, and the authorities in charge of an accredited nonpublic school, to report to the board of educational examiners any instance of disciplinary action taken against a licensed school employee for conduct constituting soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student. The bill adds that such a report is also required to be made for conduct that constitutes grooming behavior toward a student or for conduct that constitutes abusing a student.17, or to engage in any unlawful sexual conduct. The bill defines “inappropriate relationship” as a dating relationship, a sexual relationship, or any relationship in which sexual harassment or any form of physical or sexual abuse occurs.160.