COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 22, 2024

Senator Lovely files bill to vet potential school employees for child abuse or misconduct 

Bill is aimed to root out bad actors before they enter schools 

BOSTON—(1/22/2024) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D–Salem) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) announces the filing of An Act relative to enhancing hiring practices to prevent sexual abuse, which is sponsored by Senator Lovely and mandates a thorough screening process for prospective school employees to ensure they have not been involved in child abuse or sexual misconduct.  

“We put our trust in our school employees to not only educate our children and help them grow but also to keep them safe, which is why it is crucial that we properly vet those who are working with our children day in and day out,” said Senator Lovely. “With this legislation, we would ensure that we are able to catch potential bad actors before they enter our schools by doing comprehensive screenings into their backgrounds to look for red flags during the hiring process.”  

The legislation would require school districts and affiliated entities to refrain from employing individuals for roles involving direct or regular contact with students until a complete disclosure of their past employment, specifically in positions related to children, is obtained.  

This disclosure process includes securing an authorization for the release of information from current and former employers, as well as a personal statement from the applicant regarding any previous investigations, disciplinary actions, or license revocations due to abuse or misconduct.  

Employers would be tasked with verifying the applicant’s employment history, eligibility, and certification status, and checking the Department of Children and Families’ Central Registry for any abuse findings.  

The bill also bans any contractual agreements that might obstruct the reporting or investigation of abuse allegations and imposes penalties for intentional non-compliance.  

The Department of Education will also be responsible for collecting and reporting data concerning abuse allegations, along with ensuring schools are informed about the employment stipulations laid out in the bill. 

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