HCS HB 1449 -- BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR TEACHERS

SPONSOR:  Cunningham, 86 (Wright, 159)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Elementary and Secondary Education by a vote of 16 to 0.

This substitute specifies that if a teacher retires from a
Missouri school and returns to the classroom within a year as a
substitute or part-time teacher, the state will not require
another background check.  If the teacher is hired by a district
other than the one from which he or she retired, the former
employing district will send the new employing district the
teacher's background check information.  School districts are not
prohibited from requiring additional background checks.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it seems absurd for a teacher to
retire in June, return as a substitute teacher in August, and be
subject to a new background check.  The current requirement makes
it more difficult to find substitute teachers.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wright (159); Ken
Jackson, Dexter School District; Clint Johnston, Bunker School
District; and Missouri School Boards' Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education retains background checks for
six months.

Others testifying on the bill was Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am