Summary of the Committee Version of the Bill

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 Analyst


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Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:46 am