HCS HB 981 & 665 -- TORT IMMUNITY FOR TEACHERS SPONSOR: Monaco (Willoughby) COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Judiciary by a vote of 14 to 0. This substitute clarifies that school teachers are immune from tort claims for reporting acts of violence in school when this reporting is mandated by law and done so in conformity with established school board policies. FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the implementation of measures to reduce violence in schools and tighten control on students has resulted in an increase in the number of students suspended and disciplined. Parents of suspended and disciplined students frequently threaten lawsuits against the teachers and school districts. The bill is needed to allow teachers and others to report violent acts or threats without hesitation. Testifying for the bill were Representatives Willoughby and Shields; Missouri School Boards Association; Missouri National Education Association; Missouri State Teachers Association; School Administrators Coalition; Missouri Federation of Teachers; and Cooperating School Districts of Suburban Kansas City. OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative AnalystCopyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives