Bill Text: MS HB1110 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Educator misconduct; clarify provision pertaining to inappropriate sexual activity with students.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2020-03-03 - Died In Committee [HB1110 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2020-HB1110-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Representative Bennett
House Bill 1110
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-5-24, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO clarify THE REQUIREMENT FOR REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE OF THE SCHOOL OR DISTRICT WITH A STUDENT UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WHO IS ENROLLED IN A SCHOOL IN THE SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE OFFENDER IS EMPLOYED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 97-5-24, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
97-5-24. If any person
eighteen (18) years or older who is employed by any public school district or
private school in this state is accused of fondling or having any type of
sexual involvement with any child under the age of eighteen (18) years who is
enrolled in such public school district or private school, the
principal of * * *
the public or private school where the person is employed and the
superintendent of * * *
the public school district shall timely notify the district attorney
with jurisdiction where the school is located of such accusation, the
Mississippi Department of Education and the Department of Human Services,
provided that such accusation is reported to the principal and to the school
superintendent and that there is a reasonable basis to believe that such
accusation is true. Any superintendent, or his designee, who fails to make a
report required by this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in
Section 37-11-35. Any superintendent, principal, teacher or other school
personnel participating in the making of a required report pursuant to this
section or participating in any judicial proceeding resulting therefrom shall
be presumed to be acting in good faith. Any person reporting in good faith
shall be immune from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or
imposed.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.
