An Act relative to the screening of prospective school employees for prior investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct

This bill requires schools and related service providers in Massachusetts to conduct enhanced background checks on any new employee who will have regular contact with students. To comply, employers must ask job applicants for a list of their current and past school jobs from the last 20 years, along with written permission to contact those former employers. The bill also mandates that applicants disclose any past investigations into child abuse or sexual misconduct, as well as any employment or license separations related to such allegations. Employers must then verify this information by contacting former employers to confirm dates of employment and whether any abuse or misconduct investigations occurred. The law defines child abuse and sexual misconduct broadly to include various forms of inappropriate behavior and communication directed at students.