HB 6186 Summary

• Expands mandatory reporting requirements for school employees to include sexual assault and exploitation crimes (sections 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b, 53a-73a) in addition to child abuse and neglect.

• Increases penalties for failing to report suspected abuse or neglect: Class A misdemeanor for standard violations, but Class E felony if the violation is subsequent, willful/intentional, grossly negligent, or involved actual knowledge of abuse; makes intentionally interfering with reporting a Class D felony.

• Requires all school employees to complete child abuse and neglect training and refresher training every three years, with annual certification of compliance by school principals to superintendents and the State Board of Education.

• Establishes rapid response teams in each school district (by January 1, 2016) consisting of teachers, superintendents, police, and others to coordinate with the Department of Children and Families on investigations.

• Prohibits school boards from hiring individuals previously terminated or who resigned following suspension for abuse/neglect convictions or sexual assault convictions involving students; mandates automatic revocation of teaching certificates for those convicted of specified crimes including child exploitation.