This bill establishes the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act to enhance student safety by requiring schools to verify the background and conduct history of all school employees. It mandates that school districts require job applicants to provide sworn statements about any past investigations, resignations during investigations, or disciplinary actions for misconduct, while non-district schools must obtain written authorization to contact an applicant's past employers for the last ten years to verify such information. The law also requires schools to report certain misconduct-related resignations or terminations to the Idaho Professional Standards Commission and clarifies that schools cannot delay reporting child abuse to law enforcement to conduct internal investigations. Additionally, it provides legal protections for employers who share information in good faith and outlines specific conditions under which private school employees can bring claims against their employers.
This bill requires Idaho public schools to address student online harassment targeting staff or others by creating a process for reporting, investigating, and disciplining students. It defines "inappropriate online behavior" as harassment, threats, or bullying via internet, mobile devices, or social media that harms school employees, students, parents, or volunteers. Schools must investigate reports, notify parents, and impose discipline like warnings, behavior programs, or suspension. The law does not block victims from pursuing other legal remedies.
This bill requires Idaho school districts and public charter schools to annually share clear information about harassment, intimidation, or bullying (as defined by Idaho law) with all staff, parents, and students, including that staff must intervene. It mandates ongoing professional development for school staff to prevent and address these issues, and requires school policies to include graduated consequences for offenders and procedures for mandatory reporting of incidents leading to student suspensions. Schools must also annually report bullying incidents to the state education department using a standardized format. These changes apply to all Idaho public schools and aim to standardize prevention, response, and reporting practices.
