CT HB05431

Requires all school employees seeking new positions to submit to Department of Children and Families child abuse and neglect registry checks, effective July 1, 2011 for certified positions and July 1, 2012 for non-certified positions.

Mandates training on child abuse and neglect reporting for all school employees, with new hires required to complete initial training and all employees required to complete refresher training every three years by July 1, 2012.

Requires state Board of Education to deny or revoke teaching certificates for applicants listed on the child abuse and neglect registry or convicted of specified crimes including child abuse, felonies, and sex offenses.

Establishes procedures for investigating delayed child abuse reports by school employees and requires school districts to maintain centralized records of all abuse and neglect allegations, investigations, and reports involving school employees.

Requires Department of Children and Families to notify Commissioner of Education within five working days when a school employee is suspected of child abuse or neglect, and mandates immediate suspension with pay pending investigation resolution.