HCR 2042 Summary

• State Board of Education must adopt rules by February 1, 2021 establishing a classroom code of ethics and professional standards for all certificated teachers and teaching assistants in public schools.

• Rules shall prohibit teachers from engaging in political advocacy in classrooms, endorsing candidates or officials, supporting/opposing legislation or court cases, introducing partisan political issues unrelated to course content, or hampering military/law enforcement recruiter access.

• Teachers may discuss factual historical matters (events, officials, and legislation from at least 50 years ago) and must present both sides of germane partisan political issues in a fair-minded, nonpartisan manner.

• Violations subject to progressive discipline: first offense receives documented warning; second offense results in suspension of teaching certificate for up to 30 days; teachers must complete at least one hour annual continuing education on these responsibilities.

• Attorney General, county attorneys, or any resident may file lawsuits in superior court to enforce the rules; rules are exempt from standard administrative procedure requirements under section 41-1005.